MPOX TRACKER

The UK Health Security Agency (HSA) has confirmed its ninth Clade 1b mpox case since October 2024, with the latest patient having a history of travel to Uganda, one of Africa’s major outbreak hotspots. This marks the fourth case in the UK since January 20 involving travelers returning from Uganda. In response to ongoing cases, the HSA has announced a shift from case-by-case reporting to weekly updates every Thursday.

Despite the continued detection of Clade 1b mpox in the UK, health officials emphasize that the risk to the general population remains low. Close contacts of the affected individuals have been identified and given appropriate public health guidance to prevent further transmission.

Clade 1b, a variant distinct from Clade 2—which has circulated globally since 2022—was first identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2024. It has since driven large outbreaks across parts of Africa, with sporadic travel-related cases emerging worldwide. Unlike Clade 2, which spread primarily through intimate contact, Clade 1b appears to have a broader transmission pattern, including household exposure.

As the situation evolves, the HSA’s decision to consolidate reporting into weekly updates reflects an effort to streamline public health communication while maintaining vigilance against potential secondary transmission. Health authorities continue to advise travelers returning from affected regions to remain alert for symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes, seeking medical attention if necessary. With sustained outbreaks in Africa and sporadic international cases, continued surveillance and targeted public health interventions remain crucial in mitigating the spread of this emerging variant.