High Alert

UK on High Alert for Potential Mpox Cases: What You Need to Know

UK’s Precautions Against a New Mpox Strain

The UK is gearing up for potential cases of a new strain of mpox after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a global emergency. This new strain, identified as clade 1b, originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and has caused over 17,000 infections and 571 deaths across Africa this year, surpassing last year’s figures.

According to the WHO, 96% of these cases and fatalities have occurred in the DRC, as reported by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although no cases have been detected in the UK so far, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) assures the public that the current risk is considered low. Dr. Meera Chand, the deputy director of UKHSA, confirmed that preparations are in place to handle any potential outbreaks in the UK. This includes educating clinicians to quickly identify the virus, ensuring rapid testing availability, and establishing protocols for safe patient care and preventing the spread of the virus.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads through close physical contact and presents symptoms such as high fever, headaches, muscle pain, backaches, and a rash. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa CDC, noted that cases have now been reported in 16 African countries, including Ivory Coast, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. He emphasized the importance of declaring this a public health emergency to better protect and support affected countries.

The WHO also expressed concerns that this strain could potentially lead to a pandemic. In the UK, 286 mpox cases were reported between 2023 and July 31, with the majority occurring in England. Before spring 2022, mpox cases in the UK were primarily linked to travel from regions where the virus is endemic, especially in western and central Africa. However, a significant outbreak occurred in May 2022, primarily affecting men who are gay, bisexual, or have sex with other men, prompting the UK to launch a vaccination program that ran until July 2023.

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