A new case of clade Ib mpox has been detected in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported, with one person now under specialist care at the Royal Free Hospital High Consequence Infectious Diseases unit. The patient had recently returned from Uganda, where there is currently community transmission of clade Ib mpox.
This is the eight case of the infectious disease found in England.A UKHSA spokesman said: “In the context of the outbreak in parts of Africa, we expect to see the occasional imported case of clade Ib mpox in the UK.This is the eighth case of clade Ib mpox confirmed in England since October 2024. This case has no links to the previous cases identified in England.”
Close contacts of the case are being traced by UKHSA and partner organisations. Contacts will be offered testing and vaccination where needed to prevent further infections and they will be advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive.
Dr Merav Kliner, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: ” The risk to the UK population remains low. Close contacts have been identified and offered appropriate advice in order to reduce the chance of further spread.”
Clade Ib mpox has been circulating in several countries in Africa in recent months. Imported cases have been detected in a number of countries including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden and the United States.There has been extensive planning undertaken to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to confirmed cases.
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral disease caused by the mpox virus, which belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus (Poxviridae). While similar to smallpox, mpox is generally less severe. The virus can spread through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated objects.
Symptoms of Mpox
Symptoms typically appear 5 to 21 days after exposure and last 2 to 4 weeks. They include:
1. Early Symptoms (Flu-like)
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes (a key difference from smallpox)
2. Skin Rash (Appears 1-4 days after fever)
- Begins as flat red spots, then develops into fluid-filled blisters (similar to chickenpox).
- Rash progresses to pustules (pus-filled lesions) before scabbing over.
- Commonly appears on the face, hands, feet, genitals, and inside the mouth.
- Can be painful or itchy.
How Mpox Spreads
- Direct contact with rash, scabs, or body fluids.
- Respiratory droplets from prolonged face-to-face contact.
- Touching contaminated objects (bedding, clothing, etc.).
- Animal-to-human transmission (via bites or consuming infected meat).
Is Mpox Dangerous?
Most cases are mild and resolve without treatment. However, severe cases can occur, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, or young children.
If you suspect mpox, contact a healthcare provider for testing and possible vaccination (smallpox vaccines provide protection).