Two new cases of more spreadable mpox found in UK
November 5, 2024
London has confirmed two additional cases of Clade 1b mpox in household contacts of the first patient identified last week. All three patients are under specialist care at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. The initial case was linked to travel in Africa, with symptoms developing shortly after return. While the UKHSA maintains the overall UK risk remains low, they note this variant appears to transmit more easily between people through physical contact. Officials are conducting contact tracing and offering testing and vaccination to exposed individuals.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed two new cases of the Clade 1b mpox variant in London, highlighting the increased transmissibility of this new strain.
Case Details:
1. New Infections:
- Two household contacts of first case
- Under care at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust
- All three cases confirmed as Clade 1b variant
- Linked to initial travel-related case
2. Original Case Timeline:
- Patient returned from African travel
- Developed flu-like symptoms October 22
- Rash appeared two days later
- Laboratory confirmed Clade 1b strain
3. Public Health Response:
- Contact tracing underway
- Testing offered to contacts
- Vaccination available when needed
- Close monitoring of situation
4. Risk Assessment:
- Overall UK risk remains low
- Household transmission expected
- No wider community spread detected
- Enhanced surveillance continuing
5. Variant Characteristics:
- More efficient person-to-person transmission
- Spreads through physical contact
- Including sexual transmission
- Causes pus-filled lesions
- Symptoms include fever and low energy
The UKHSA emphasizes that while household transmission was anticipated, they continue vigilant monitoring to prevent wider community spread.