Britain identifies its first case of new mpox variant
October 30, 2024
Britain has detected its first case of mpox clade Ib variant in London, involving a traveler from affected African countries. This variant, declared a global health emergency by WHO in August, has spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to several African nations and beyond, with cases reported in Sweden, India, and Germany. While the UKHSA maintains the risk remains low, they are conducting contact tracing and offering testing and vaccination to contacts. Clade Ib is considered more severe than clade II, which caused the 2022 global outbreak, though both spread through close physical contact.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced Britain's first case of the mpox clade Ib variant, marking a significant development in the global spread of this more severe form of the virus.
Key Details:
1. Case Information:
- Detected in London
- Patient recently traveled from affected African countries
- Individual transferred to specialist hospital
- UKHSA conducting contact tracing
- Contacts offered testing and vaccination
2. Global Context:
- WHO declared global health emergency in August
- Outbreak originated in Democratic Republic of Congo
- Spread to multiple countries including:
* African nations: Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya
* European countries: Sweden, Germany
* Asia: India
3. Variant Characteristics:
- Clade Ib considered more severe than clade II
- Causes typical mpox symptoms:
* Flu-like symptoms
* Pus-filled lesions
- Transmits through close physical contact
- Different from clade II variant of 2022 outbreak
4. Public Health Response:
- Risk to general population remains low
- Contact tracing by UKHSA and partner organizations
- Support and care offered to potential contacts
- Testing and vaccination available as needed
- Monitoring for additional cases
The case highlights the ongoing global spread of this more severe variant while demonstrating the UK's preparedness in detecting and responding to emerging infectious disease threats.