The UK has confirmed a recent case of mpox, once known as monkeypox. This virus belongs to Clade 1b, which spreads more easily between people. This case is connected to an oubreak in Africa. The patient has confirmed to have travelled to an affected area in Africa.
One day after returning, the patient developed flue-like symptoms. Two days later on, they developed a rash, a possible symptom of Mpox which can last upto a month. Other syptoms include fever, headaches, and low energy. The virus was declared a global health emergency by WHO last summer.
Other cases where the case have appeared include, appeared in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya and Rwanda. The patient is currently receiving treatment in the Royal Free Hospital in London. For extended precautionary measures, this is being donecin an infectious disease unit.
Sweden, India, and Germany have also identified Clade 1b in travelers from affected regions. This outbreak differs from the 2022 Clade II outbreak, which primarily affected gay and bisexual men and continues at low levels.
Authorities are tracing the patient’s close contacts, including housemates, totaling fewer than 10 people. Prof. Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency, noted this as the first Clade 1b case in the UK. However, she reassured that the risk to the public remains low.