A new, potentially more dangerous strain of mpox has been detected in the UK, specifically in Leeds. This infection was found in a person who had recently returned from Uganda, where mpox cases have been on the rise. This is the fifth case of the clade 1b mpox strain confirmed in England recently. The individual in Leeds is not connected to the previous four cases in October. Despite these rising infections, health officials maintain that the risk to the UK population is still low. The UK Health Security Agency is actively tracing close contacts and working to reduce the risk of further spread. The mpox variant has caused thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.
The mutated Clade 1b strain of mpox has spread to other continents, with cases being reported in Europe, Asia, and the US. The World Health Organization has declared the rapid spread of this new variant a global health emergency for the second time in two years. The symptoms of mpox include flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. The Clade 1b strain is different from the previously circulating Clade 2 strain and is believed to cause more severe disease. The first UK case of the new strain was detected in London and the infected patient has since been moved to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for treatment.
Symptoms of mpox can include a skin rash with pus-filled lesions that last for two to four weeks, as well as other symptoms like anal bleeding and pain. The virus is transmitted through close contact with infected individuals, such as skin-to-skin contact, breathing it in, or contact with eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals. Men who have sex with men are at a higher risk of contracting mpox. A 37-year-old charity worker in London who contracted mpox reported flu-like symptoms, fever, rash, swollen tonsils, and a very sore throat. He eventually tested positive for the disease and recovered after almost two weeks in hospital.
The NHS is currently offering the smallpox (MVA) vaccine to individuals who are most likely to be exposed to mpox, including gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, healthcare workers, and close contacts of confirmed cases. The vaccination program is currently available in London and Greater Manchester. Healthcare workers are usually offered two doses of the vaccine, with the second dose given 2 to 3 months after the first dose. If individuals experience symptoms of mpox, it is recommended to contact a sexual health clinic for evaluation. It is advised to stay at home and avoid close contact with others until a diagnosis is confirmed. If symptoms are mild, isolation at home may be recommended.
