First case of highly transmissible mpox strain hits UK
A recent case of mpox, a viral infection previously known as monkeypox, has been identified in the United Kingdom, linked to an outbreak in parts of Africa. Health authorities have confirmed that this instance involves Clade 1b, a variant of the virus that appears to spread more easily between people than other strains. The World Health Organization (WHO) designated mpox a global health emergency last summer due to its rapid spread and potential health impacts.
The UK patient, who had recently returned from a holiday in one of the affected African nations, began to exhibit symptoms a day after arriving back in the country. Initial flu-like symptoms appeared on October 22, followed by a rash two days later. Mpox typically causes a painful rash with pus-filled lesions that may persist for several weeks. Other common symptoms include fever, headaches, and fatigue.
The infected individual is currently being treated at the Royal Free Hospital’s specialized high consequence infectious diseases unit in London. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Clade 1b, sparking increased concern given the strain’s ability to spread more readily through close physical contact, including sexual contact.
Several African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Burundi, and Rwanda, have reported cases of Clade 1b mpox this year. Unlike its relative, Clade 1a, which is primarily associated with exposure to infected animals or bush meat consumption, Clade 1b is believed to transmit more easily among humans. Though Clade 1b is considered milder than Clade 1a, precise infection rates remain uncertain.
It is currently being attempted to track down the close contacts of the patient in the United Kingdom, which are expected to number less than 10 people. In an effort to stop the virus from spreading further, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is constantly monitoring potential contacts. In spite of the fact that similar instances have been confirmed in other countries, Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at the UKHSA, pointed out that this is the first time that this mpox clade has been discovered in the United Kingdom. She brought attention to the fact that the risk to the general population of the United Kingdom is still relatively low and guaranteed that prompt efforts are being taken to prevent the possibility of any transmission.
Several other countries, including Sweden, India, and Germany, have also reported cases of Clade 1b, linked to individuals who had recently traveled to affected regions in Africa. This current outbreak is distinct from the mpox cases seen primarily among gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men in 2022, classified as Clade II. Those infections have since decreased and are now recorded at low levels globally.
In response to the case, UK Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that the government is actively working with the UKHSA and the NHS to safeguard public health. This effort includes securing vaccines and providing healthcare professionals with essential guidance and tools to respond to cases safely. As investigations continue, authorities are closely monitoring Clade 1b cases worldwide. The UKHSA advises travelers from affected areas to stay alert for mpox symptoms, seek medical advice if symptoms arise, and adhere to public health guidelines.