New Strain of Mpox Virus Detected in London, Three Cases Confirmed
Health authorities in the UK have confirmed two additional cases of the Clade 1b strain of mpox virus, bringing the total to three in London. These new cases were found among household contacts of the first patient, who had recently travelled to Africa, where the Clade 1b variant has been circulating in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Rwanda. This strain appears to spread more easily through close physical contact than previous variants.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports that the two new patients are receiving specialist care at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.
"Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact, and so it is not unexpected to see further cases within the same household," said Professor Susan Hopkins, UKHSA’s chief medical adviser, adding that the “overall risk to the UK population remains low.”
The first case, reported last week, involved a person who developed flu-like symptoms a day after returning to the UK from Africa. Two days later, they developed a rash, a characteristic symptom of mpox. The UKHSA has initiated contact tracing to monitor and provide testing and vaccinations to those who may have been exposed.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
Symptoms of the mpox virus can vary from fever and headaches to a painful rash of pus-filled lesions, which can last for up to a month. The virus primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals, animals, or through sexual transmission.
Unlike the previous Clade II strain, which led to a global outbreak primarily affecting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in 2022, Clade 1b has shown more potential for general spread within household settings.
The UK is well-prepared to address any additional cases, having implemented a stockpile of mpox vaccines. A new round of vaccines was procured recently to support immunisation efforts, particularly given the recent cases involving this more transmissible strain.
Europe has seen limited cases of Clade 1b so far, with reports in Sweden and Germany tied to travel from affected African countries.
