New mpox strain spreads to household contacts in the UK

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The UK has reported two further cases of the mpox virus that is believed to be able to spread more easily between people. The latest infections were detected in household contacts of the first patient in London who was diagnosed with the Clade 1b variant of the virus. MP Susannah Hopkins, a chief medical adviser to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), explained that the virus could spread quickly within households, with further cases being “not unexpected.” However, Hopkins said the risk to the wider UK population was low.

All three infected patients are being treated at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London. The agency has said that anyone identified as having been in contact with infected individuals will be contacted and tested. Vaccination will also be offered if required. The mpox virus typically spreads through close physical contact and its transmission does not mean the virus has spread to the wider community in the UK.

The Clade 1b variant of the virus was first detected in central Africa. Other countries reporting cases of infection with this strain include Kenya, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India and several European nations. Last week, health officials reported the first UK case of Clade 1b mpox in a patient in London. The patient has recently visited one of the affected African countries and developed symptoms after returning to the UK. Symptoms of mpox infection include fever, headaches, low energy and a rash of pus-filled lesions that can last up to a month.

The mpox was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) this year. The virus has been reported to be spreading between people more easily through physical contact, including sexual activity than other strains of the virus. This is the most recent outbreak as distinct from the 2022 outbreak that affected gay and bisexual men

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