A new case of Clade Ib mpox has been detected in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed. The case was detected in East Sussex and the individual is now under specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
They had recently returned from Uganda, where there is currently community transmission of Clade Ib mpox.The UKHSA said that, with an outbreak in parts of Africa, the UK can expect to see the occasional imported case of Clade Ib mpox.
This is the sixth 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 followed up 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 Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, said: ” It is thanks to clinicians rapidly recognising the symptoms and the work of our specialist laboratory that we have been able to detect this new case.The risk to the UK population remains low following this sixth case, and we are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential 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 any further confirmed cases.”
Common symptoms of mpox include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions which can last 2 to 4 weeks. It can also cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.
The infection can be passed on through close person-to-person contact with someone who has the infection or with infected animals and through contact with contaminated materials. Anyone with symptoms should continue to avoid contact with other people while symptoms persist.
The UK has an existing stock of mpox vaccines and announced further vaccines are being procured to support a routine immunisation programme to provide additional resilience in the UK.