The United Kingdom has confirmed its first case of the new mpox variant, known as clade Ib, according to the country’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Despite the detection, officials have assured the public that the overall risk remains low.
The clade Ib variant has gained global attention since it was declared a health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in August, following an outbreak that originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and spread to neighboring African countries.
The case was identified in London in a patient who had recently traveled to countries affected by the virus in Africa. UKHSA has reported that the patient has been transferred to a specialist hospital for treatment. In response, UKHSA and its partners are actively tracing and monitoring the patient’s close contacts. UKHSA has stated it will not release further details about the patient, but close contacts are being offered testing, vaccination, and additional care if they exhibit symptoms or test positive.
The clade Ib variant has already been identified in multiple countries, including Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, as well as non-African nations like Sweden, India, and Germany. This variant differs from clade II, which spread widely in 2022, mainly impacting men who have sex with men.
Mpox, a viral infection, typically leads to flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. Although generally mild, it can sometimes result in severe disease or death. According to health experts, the newly detected clade Ib is considered more severe than clade II, though both variants can spread through close physical contact, including sexual contact.
WHO data indicates that over 44,000 confirmed and suspected cases of mpox have been recorded across Africa this year, with over 1,000 deaths, most occurring in the DRC. As UKHSA continues to monitor the situation, officials encourage the public to stay informed and follow any guidance provided for preventive measures.
Melissa Enoch
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