A new strain of the mpox virus, known as Clade 1b, has been detected in the UK for the first time. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed the presence of this variant in London. Fortunately, there is no evidence of community transmission from the patient, who is currently receiving treatment at the Royal Free Hospital in London. The infected individual had recently returned from a trip to Africa and started showing symptoms more than 24 hours after arriving back in the UK.
The patient developed flu-like symptoms and a rash, prompting them to seek medical attention at an A&E in London. Following testing and isolation, fewer than 10 direct contacts are being traced as a precaution. Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, has assured that the risk to the UK population remains low. She emphasized the importance of surveillance in detecting the virus promptly.
Clade 1b is a new variant that has not been previously identified in the UK. Germany reported its first case earlier this month, with over 1,000 deaths attributed to this strain in Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the spread of the disease a global health emergency due to its increasing prevalence. Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the government’s efforts to secure more vaccines and provide guidance to healthcare professionals for safe handling of cases.
Common symptoms of mpox include skin rash, pus-filled lesions, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. Close physical contact, contact with infected animals, or sexual transmission are common modes of transmission for the virus. Gay and bisexual men, as well as men who have sex with men, are considered to be at higher risk of contracting the virus. Vaccination clinics are being focused in London, Manchester, and Brighton to target high-risk populations.
The Clade 1b strain has been circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has been reported in several other countries, including Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Sweden, and India. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the symptoms and transmission routes of the virus to prevent further spread. The timely detection of the new variant in the UK underscores the importance of surveillance and preparedness in managing infectious diseases.