UK detects first case of new Mpox variant clade Ib – Firstpost
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed on October 30, 2024, the first UK case of mpox caused by the clade Ib variant, a strain currently fueling a surge in infections across several African countries. The patient, who had recently traveled to areas affected by the outbreak, tested positive after developing flu-like symptoms and a skin rash upon their return. They are now receiving treatment at the high-consequence infectious diseases unit at London’s Royal Free Hospital.
After arriving in the UK on October 21, the individual initially experienced symptoms resembling the flu, such as fever and muscle aches, which later progressed into a rash. On October 27, they sought medical attention at an emergency department in London, where they were swabbed and tested positive for the virus. Health officials are now working with partner organizations to trace and monitor the patient’s close contacts, who will be offered testing, vaccination, and healthcare advice to minimize the risk of transmission.
Professor Susan Hopkins, UKHSA’s chief medical adviser, confirmed that this is the first recorded case of the mpox clade Ib strain in the UK. She reassured the public that the risk to the general population remains low. However, she emphasized that the UKHSA is taking all necessary precautions, including rapid contact tracing, to prevent any potential spread. Health authorities have begun investigations to determine how the patient contracted the infection and whether other cases might be connected.
This mpox variant, clade Ib, has been associated with more severe symptoms than clade II, the strain responsible for the 2022 global outbreak. Clade II cases were largely contained in the UK over the past year, with low transmission rates, primarily among men who have sex with men. However, due to the increased severity linked with clade Ib, the UKHSA is closely collaborating with the National Health Service (NHS) and academic institutions to better understand and assess the potential health risks posed by this strain.
As a precautionary measure, the UK ordered more than 150,000 doses of the mpox vaccine in September, shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak in Africa a global health emergency. This vaccination stockpile will help bolster the country’s readiness to respond to any local outbreaks and reduce transmission risks. Experts believe that this latest case underscores the need for ongoing surveillance and preventive efforts, particularly as cases of clade Ib have spread beyond the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to neighboring countries and, more recently, to countries in Europe and Asia, including Sweden, Germany, and India.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic virus, which means it can spread from animals to humans. People typically contract mpox through close contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated objects. The virus can cause symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, and swollen lymph nodes. A distinguishing feature of mpox is its characteristic rash, which often appears as pus-filled lesions and can persist for up to a month. While the disease is typically mild, it can be severe or even fatal for individuals with compromised immune systems.
The UK’s public health strategy includes monitoring individuals exposed to the virus and offering vaccines to those at higher risk. Vaccination can prevent severe illness and help control the spread within vulnerable populations. While health experts continue to monitor this case, they stress the importance of heightened public awareness and proactive health measures to prevent further cases in the UK.
The emergence of the clade Ib strain in the UK highlights the virus’s potential to spread beyond endemic regions, making international coordination essential. Experts call for improved tracking and transparency to manage cases more effectively.
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