The first case of the potentially deadly Clade 1b variant that has spread across the world has been discovered in London, health authorities have confirmed.
The individual had recently travelled to countries in Africa which are seeing community transmission of the Clade 1b strain. They have been transferred to the Royal Free Hospital High Consequence Infectious Diseases unit for treatment. Close contacts of the patient are being followed up by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and partner organisations.
In a statement, the UKHSA added that the risk to the public “remains low”.
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.”
Last month, the Government announced it had ordered more than 150,000 doses of mpox vaccine in preparation for the “likely” discovery of cases of Clade 1b.
Mpox is a viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, and while usually mild, it can kill. It spreads through close contact, including sexual contact.
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the mpox virus, part of the orthopoxvirus family, including the variola virus responsible for smallpox.
- Discovery: The virus was first identified in 1958 when outbreaks occurred in colonies of monkeys used for research, which led to the name “monkeypox”.
- Human cases: The first recorded human case occurred in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Since then, mpox has been primarily found in Central and West African countries, where it is endemic.
- Spread: While mpox is mainly transmitted from animals to humans, human-to-human transmission can occur through close contact. The virus gained global attention in 2022 when it spread to multiple non-endemic countries, including Europe and North America.
Mpox is generally less severe than smallpox, but its spread to new regions has raised public health concerns worldwide.
Why has the name changed from monkeypox?
The WHO changed the name of the disease from “monkeypox” to “mpox” in November 2022. This change addressed concerns about the potential for stigma and racism associated with the original name. Some believed this could reinforce harmful stereotypes, particularly as the disease began spreading more widely outside of Africa.
The name “monkeypox” originated because the virus was first identified in monkeys, but the disease is more commonly associated with rodents in its natural reservoirs. The WHO sought a neutral, non-stigmatising name more in line with the naming conventions used for other diseases.
The decision to rename the disease was part of broader efforts to ensure that the names of diseases are culturally sensitive and do not contribute to discrimination or stigmatisation of individuals or communities.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
The symptoms of mpox include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
In addition, a rash typically develops. This often begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the genitals.
The rash evolves through several stages, starting as flat lesions, then becoming raised, filled with fluid (vesicles), and finally turning into scabs that eventually fall off. The appearance of the rash can resemble other conditions like chickenpox or syphilis.
- Incubation period: The incubation period for mpox is usually between 6 to 13 days, but it can range from 5 to 21 days.
- Severity: While mpox is often mild, it can lead to severe symptoms, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Transmission: The disease is primarily spread through close contact with an infected person or contaminated materials, and it can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.
These symptoms and the progression of the disease are crucial for diagnosis and management, especially in non-endemic regions where awareness might be lower.
What does the UK Health Security Agency say about mpox?
The UKHSA has been actively monitoring and responding to the mpox outbreak since May 2022. It has focused on understanding the transmission dynamics, particularly noting that most cases have been among men who have sex with men.
The UKHSA advises anyone concerned about mpox to contact a sexual health clinic or call NHS 111.
While the virus does not usually spread easily and the overall risk to the UK population remains low, the UKHSA recommends vaccination for those eligible.
The agency has also conducted contact tracing for people in close contact with confirmed cases.
