The UK has confirmed its first case of a new mpox variant, Clade 1b, in a patient who had recently returned from Africa. The individual began experiencing flu-like symptoms and a worsening rash shortly after returning to London on October 21, and later sought treatment at a hospital where they were isolated following testing.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has since been monitoring fewer than ten direct contacts, but it reassured the public that the overall risk remains low.
This particular strain, Clade 1b, was recently detected in Germany as well and is circulating in parts of Africa, where it has prompted a global health alert due to over 1,000 deaths in the region. However, Clade 1b has shown a lower fatality rate compared to other mpox variants, with the affected countries observing roughly a tenfold decrease in death rates.
To prepare for potential cases, Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated that the UK government is actively acquiring more vaccines and providing updated guidance to healthcare professionals. This detection underscores the effectiveness of the UK's surveillance system, as noted by Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, in swiftly identifying and managing cases like this.
Source:
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