UK Confirms First Case of More Transmissible Mpox Strain Linked to African Outbreak

The United Kingdom has identified an isolated instance of mpox, previously referred to as monkeypox, connected to the ongoing outbreak in certain African regions. This particular case belongs to the Clade 1b outbreak, a variant that demonstrates enhanced human-to-human transmissibility. The World Health Organization designated mpox a global health emergency during the summer months. The individual in the UK had recently traveled for leisure to at least one of the impacted African nations and started experiencing illness 24 hours following their return flight. On 22 October, the patient exhibited influenza-like symptoms, with a rash appearing two days subsequent. An mpox rash, characterized by pus-filled lesions, may persist for as long as a month. Additional symptoms encompass fever, headaches, and diminished energy levels. The infected patient in the UK is currently receiving care at the Royal Free Hospital’s specialized high consequence infectious diseases unit located in London. Laboratory analysis verified the infection as Clade 1b. This specific viral strain has become a growing source of apprehension. It seems to transmit more readily between individuals via close physical contact, including sexual activity, compared to other mpox variants. Within Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Burundi, and Rwanda have all documented instances of Clade 1b mpox this year. Its closely related variant, Clade 1a, is primarily associated with contact with infected animals or the consumption of bush meat. Clade 1b seems to present with less severity than 1a, though definitive certainty is challenging due to the difficulty in ascertaining precise figures regarding the exact number of infected individuals. Efforts are underway to trace the patient’s close contacts, including members of their household. This group is estimated to comprise fewer than 10 individuals. Prof Susan Hopkins, the chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), stated, “This is the first time we have detected this clade of mpox in the UK, though other cases have been confirmed abroad.” She further commented, “The risk to the UK population remains low, and we are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread.” Sweden, India, and Germany have each identified cases of this mpox strain, all connected to travel to impacted nations. This outbreak differs from the one in 2022, known as Clade II, which predominantly affected gay, bisexual, and other men-who-have-sex-with-men. Infections from Clade II continue to occur, albeit at low frequencies. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting remarked: “The government is working alongside UKHSA and the NHS to protect the public and prevent transmission.“This includes securing vaccines and equipping healthcare professionals with the guidance and tools they need to respond to cases safely.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.