Prime Highlights:
A new case of the Clade Ib variant of mpox has been confirmed in East Sussex, England.
The individual, recently returned from Uganda, is under the care of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
This is the sixth case of Clade Ib in England since October 2024, but it is not linked to prior cases.
Key Background:
A new case of the Clade Ib strain of mpox has been detected in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The infection, confirmed in East Sussex, involves an individual who recently returned from Uganda, where there is ongoing community transmission of the variant. The patient is currently receiving care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
This marks the sixth confirmed case of Clade Ib mpox in England since October 2024. However, officials emphasize that the new case is not connected to any of the previous cases, and the risk to the broader UK population remains low. The UKHSA has initiated a process of identifying and assessing close contacts of the infected individual, ensuring they are offered testing and vaccination where necessary to prevent further spread.
Clade Ib mpox, a variant of the monkeypox virus, has been identified in several African countries in recent months. It is primarily transmitted through close physical contact, including sexual transmission, as well as through contact with infected animals. Symptoms of the disease include a skin rash, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash typically lasts between two to four weeks and may be accompanied by pus-filled lesions.
While most cases of mpox are mild, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the disease can lead to severe complications, particularly in vulnerable groups such as pregnant individuals, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. In rare instances, mpox can be fatal.
The Clade Ib variant was first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and has since spread to other parts of the world, including Belgium, Canada, France, and the US. The WHO declared mpox a global health emergency in August 2024, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has since issued public health warnings about the spread of the new strain. Despite these concerns, the UKHSA has reassured the public that extensive planning has been undertaken to ensure healthcare professionals are prepared to manage any future cases effectively.
