The NHS has issued a five-step guide to protect yourself from mpox, as another case of the infectious disease has been detected in the UK. A case of the clade Ib strain of mpox was reported in the UK on January 31, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
This marks the eighth case of clade Ib in England since October last year. This strain is believed to be more contagious than the clade II strain that sparked an outbreak in the UK in 2022.
Mpox can be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs. After infection with mpox, symptoms typically manifest between five and 21 days later.
The initial signs of mpox can be grim with a high fever, painful headaches, muscular pains and backache, plus swollen glands, shivering fits, utter exhaustion and joint pain afflicting individuals. After one to five days from the onset, a rash could break out anywhere on the body.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that the very young, expectant mothers, and those with weakened immune systems, particularly individuals with poorly managed HIV, are more susceptible to acute complications from mpox which could be fatal. Most individuals, however, recover within four weeks.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed the new case of mpox in England was linked to recent travel from Uganda amidst an ongoing outbreak. This comes as several African countries face a surge in clade Ib mpox cases since 2024, with additional imported cases reported in nations such as Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden, and the USA.
With this in mind, the NHS has issued advice on staying safe. The health body noted that while the illness is “rare” there are things you can do to reduce your chance of getting it and passing it on. These include:
- Washing your hands with soap and water regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
- Looking out for any possible symptoms of mpox for three weeks after returning from central or east Africa
- Talking to sexual partners about their sexual health and any symptoms they may have
- Being aware of the symptoms of mpox if you’re sexually active, especially if you have new sexual partners
- Taking a break from sex and intimate contact if you have symptoms of mpox until you’re seen by a doctor and are told you cannot pass it on.
- It also advises against sharing bedding or towels with people who may have mpox and having close contact with people who may have mpox.
In a bid to combat the current outbreak, 12 new mpox vaccination sites have been unveiled across England, supplementing the existing 19. The NHS has declared that from this week onwards, every region will be able to offer the vaccine to those at an increased risk of contracting the infection – a service previously only accessible to eligible individuals in London, Manchester and Brighton.
Three specific groups are being encouraged to avail themselves of these vaccines: men who have sex with men and either have multiple partners, participate in group sex, or frequent sex-on-premises venues. If you exhibit any symptoms of mpox and have recently visited central or east Africa or been in close contact with someone displaying symptoms of mpox, the NHS advises calling 111.