A case of a deadly new mpox strain has been detected in the UK for the first time, it has been announced.
Cases have risen significantly across Europe this summer but the presentation of a patient with the virus in the UK is an important development in the outbreak.
A single case of the Clade 1b strain was detected in London, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The patient is now being treated at London’s Royal Free Hospital.
There is so far no evidence of transmission from the patient according to Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA who said the “risk to the UK population remains low”.
The infected person recently travelled to countries in Africa that have experienced higher levels of Clade 1b.
This year, hundreds of cases have been detected with around 90% of those affected not having been vaccinated.
Three out of four presented general symptoms, such as fever (the most frequent), asthenia, sore throats, muscle pain or headache.
Rashes that developed were located in the anogenital area in 76.1% of cases.
According to the NHS, monkeypox is commonly found in west or central Africa but there has been an increase of cases throughout Europe, including one in the UK yesterday.
The outbreak of monkeypox around the world has sparked concern amongst health agencies, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) considering a declaration of a global health emergency.
Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.
According to the NHS website explains that the virus can be passed from person to person through any close contact, touching clothing, bedding or towels of infected people as well as through coughs and sneezes.
In central and west Africa, the virus can also be caught from rodents.
Anybody concerned about the virus or who believes they may have symptoms can find out more at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mpox/
Symptoms of monkeypox
Rash: A blistering rash that can appear on the face, inside the mouth, and other parts of the body. The rash can look like pimples or sores and can vary in size and number.
Fever: A high temperature
A headache
Muscle aches and back pain
Swollen lymph nodes: Swollen glands in the neck, armpits, or groin
Chills and exhaustion
Proctitis: Inflammation of the rectum, which can cause pain or bleeding from the back passage.
