First case of deadly mpox strain detected in the UK - 2 things you should do

Health chiefs have warned people two do two things as a highly contagious strain of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has been confirmed in the UK. The Clade Ib variant, which has sparked global concern following an outbreak in Africa, is different from the Clade II variant that has seen sporadic cases in the UK since 2022.

The recent case was identified in London, with the patient now being treated at the Royal Free Hospital's High Consequence Infectious Diseases unit. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that this is an "imported" case, indicating the infection occurred outside of the country.

Yesterday the UKHSA said it has been actively "monitoring" the situation and providing healthcare professionals with the necessary guidance to handle potential cases. The NHS has also assured that it has "plans in place" to quickly expand vaccine distribution if needed.

In an update the UKHSA has advised Brits who have recently travelled to affected areas to do two things. These are:

• Be aware of signs and symptoms
• Contact a healthcare professional if you are concerned.

Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, said: "It is thanks to our surveillance that we have been able to detect this virus. This is the first time we have detected this Clade of mpox in the UK, though other cases have been confirmed abroad.

"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. In accordance with established protocols, investigations are underway to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases."

Symptoms of mpox can include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions which can last two to four weeks. It can also cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

However, it can be severe and even fatal in vulnerable people including those with weakened immune systems, young children and pregnant women. This most recent outbreak of this strain is believed to have originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Africa, where 5,399 cases and 25 deaths were reported in the first nine months of 2024.

It has since spread to other parts of the continent where the number of suspected cases of mpox this year now stands at 42,438, with 8,113 confirmed, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. And at least 1,000 mpox deaths have been reported in Africa, leading the World Health Organisation (WHO) to declare a global health emergency for the second time in two years.

Other cases of Clade Ib have also been reported in Germany, Sweden, Thailand and India. The infection can be transmitted through close contact with an infected individual or animal, as well as by touching contaminated materials. The UKHSA advises that anyone displaying symptoms should continue to isolate from others until their symptoms subside.