New Case of Mutant Mpox Strain Clade 1b Found in the UK

The sixth case of the mutant strain of Mpox Clade 1b has been found in England. The infected person had recently returned from Uganda.

Haryana Man identified as India's 1st Confirmed Mpox Case f

"Clade 1b Mpox has been circulating in several countries"

A new case of the mutant Mpox strain Clade 1b has been detected in England. This is the sixth confirmed case in England since October 2024.

The case was detected in East Sussex. The individual is now under specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.

The person had recently returned from Uganda, where there is currently community transmission of Clade 1b.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have asserted that with an outbreak in parts of Africa, the UK can expect to see the occasional imported case of Clade 1b Mpox.

Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, said:

“It is thanks to clinicians rapidly recognising the symptoms and the work of our specialist laboratory that we have been able to detect this new case.

“The risk to the UK population remains low following this sixth case, and we are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread.

“Clade 1b Mpox has been circulating in several countries in Africa in recent months.

“Imported cases have been detected in a number of countries, including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden and the United States.

“There has been extensive planning undertaken to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to any further confirmed cases.”

Experts have asserted fatality rates of Clade 1b from central Africa are unlikely to be replicated in nations like the UK.

Mpox causes flu-like symptoms and skin lesions and can be fatal, with four in 100 cases leading to death.

Common symptoms include pus-filled lesions, which can last two to four weeks. Another common symptom is a rash that usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms.

In a small number of cases, the infection can enter the blood, lungs, and other parts of the body, like the brain. It then becomes life-threatening.

The NHS website advises to call 111 if you have certain symptoms and to:

“Stay at home and avoid close contact with other people, including sharing towels or bedding, until you’ve been told what to do.”

Close contact with an infected person can transmit Mpox.

It can also be transmitted through touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with Mpox.

The new case in England has no links to the previous cases identified in England.

Close contacts of the case are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) are attempting to destigmatise Mpox in Africa.

In the African subcontinent, some communities and groups are facing discrimination and stigmatisation as they are linked to Mpox.

The WHO is focused on educating people and communities on Mpox symptoms and how it is spread.

Somia is our content editor and writer who has a focus on lifestyle and social stigmas. She enjoys exploring controversial topics. Her motto is: "It's better to regret what you have done than what you haven't."




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