UK records first case of new mpox variant, the risk remains low
The first case of infection with the new mpox virus variant has been reported in the United Kingdom. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) assures, however, that the risk of spreading the virus within the country remains low.
According to information provided by "The Guardian", the infected person returned to the United Kingdom on 21 October after travelling to African countries affected by the mpox epidemic. Shortly after returning, they developed flu-like symptoms followed by a rash.
On 27 October, following a visit to the accident and emergency department, a swab was taken, confirming the infection with the new variant of the mpox virus, clade 1b. The patient is currently in a high-risk infectious disease ward at London's Royal Free Hospital.
The UK Health Security Agency, along with other organisations, is analysing the infected person's contacts. Testing for mpox, vaccinations, and health care advice will be offered to those in close contact. - 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 – said Prof. Susan Hopkins, chief medical advisor at UKHSA.
WHO warns against mpox virus
In August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health threat for the second time in the past two years. The current epidemic, caused by the clade 1b virus variant, began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and spread to neighbouring countries and other nations.
Last month, the United Kingdom ordered over 150,000 doses of the mpox vaccine to increase preparedness for this threat. Mpox is a zoonotic infectious disease transmitted through close contact. It is characterised by flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle pain, as well as pus-filled skin lesions resembling blisters, making it difficult to distinguish from chickenpox.
Mpox virus infection manifests with the appearance of fever, headache, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, general weakness, and the onset of a distinctive rash.
