Mpox Cases Reach Three in the UK, Risk Remains Low
New Developments
Two more cases of the potentially deadly mpox virus have been detected in household contacts of the first case in the UK, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to three, according to the Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Background
The UKHSA reported that the risk to the UK population remains low, and the two patients are currently under specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London. The first case was detected in London last week, in a person who had been on holiday in Africa and travelled back to the UK on an overnight flight on October 21. They developed flu-like symptoms more than 24 hours later and, on October 24, started to develop a rash which worsened in the following days.
Infection and Transmission
Mpox only spreads between people through direct contact with rash, skin lesions or scabs caused by the virus, including during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling or other skin-to-skin contact. There is also a risk from contact with bodily fluids such as saliva or snot; contact with bedding or towels or clothing; and a possibility of spread through close and prolonged face-to-face contact such as talking, breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
Symptoms
Symptoms include skin rash with blisters, spots or ulcers that can appear anywhere on the body, fever, headache, backache, and muscle aches. A rash usually appears one to five days after a fever, headache, and other symptoms.
Global Situation
Clade Ib mpox has been widely circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in recent months and there have been cases reported in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Sweden, India, and Germany. A report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said there had been more than 40,000 mpox cases linked to almost 1,000 deaths in Africa as of the end of September 2024, with Clades Ia, Ib, and II circulating in the region. The WHO has declared a public health emergency of international concern because of the rapid spread of the mpox strain.
Government Response
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said the Government is working with UKHSA and the NHS "to protect the public and prevent transmission." This includes securing vaccines and equipping healthcare professionals with the guidance and tools they need to respond to cases safely. The Government is also working with international partners to support affected countries to prevent further outbreaks.
Conclusion
The UKHSA is working closely with partner organisations to identify and contact contacts of the cases and offer testing, vaccination, and advice as needed. The overall risk to the UK population remains low, and the Government is taking steps to protect the public and prevent transmission.
FAQs
- What is mpox?
Mpox is a viral infection caused by the human mpox virus. - How does mpox spread?
Mpox spreads through direct contact with rash, skin lesions, or scabs caused by the virus, as well as through contact with bodily fluids, bedding, towels, or clothing. - What are the symptoms of mpox?
Symptoms include skin rash with blisters, spots, or ulcers, fever, headache, backache, and muscle aches. - How many cases of mpox have been reported in the UK?
As of now, there are three confirmed cases of mpox in the UK.