Health officials are urging Brits to do two things as the first case of a contagious strain of mpox has been detected in the UK. The Clade Ib variant of mpox, which was previously known as monkeypox, has caused concern across the globe this year following an outbreak in Africa. This strain of the disease differs from Clade II, a variant which has been circulating at low levels in the UK since 2022.
According to reports, this case was detected in London and the patient was transferred to the Royal Free Hospital High Consequence Infectious Diseases unit. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed an “imported” case of the variant had been found - meaning the person was infected outside of the UK. Yesterday the UKHSA said it was “monitoring” cases and “equipping healthcare professionals with guidance and advice” on how to respond to potential cases.
The NHS also said it has “plans in place” to expand the roll out of vaccines quickly if necessary. In an update the UKHSA has advised Brits who have recently travelled to affected areas to do two things. These are: Be aware of signs and symptoms Contact a healthcare professional if you are concerned.
Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, commented: “It is thanks to our surveillance that we have been able to detect this virus. This is the first time we have detected this Clade of mpox in the UK, though other cases have been confirmed abroad. “The risk to the UK population remains low, and we.
