The UK Health Security Agency has announced two more instances of Clade Ib Mpox, raising the nationwide total to three cases.
These recent infections have been linked to individuals living with the original case, highlighting the virus’s ability to spread quickly in settings with close contact.
According to a statement released late Monday night and accessed from the UKHSA website on Tuesday, both patients are currently under specialized treatment at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.
Despite these occurrences, health authorities assert that the overall risk to the broader UK population is still considered low.
Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, Prof. Susan Hopkins, addressed the situation, stating, “Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact, and so it is not unexpected to see further cases within the same household. The overall risk to the UK population remains low.”
The agency has verified that thorough measures have been implemented, ensuring that all individuals who were in close contact with the confirmed cases are being tracked and observed.
“We are working with partners to make sure all contacts of the cases are identified and contacted to reduce the risk of further spread,” added Hopkins.
Individuals are being provided with testing and vaccinations, along with guidance on essential care if symptoms arise.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting praised the healthcare response, remarking, “I am extremely grateful to the healthcare professionals who are carrying out incredible work to support and care for the patients affected. The overall risk to the UK population currently remains low, and the government is working alongside UKHSA and the NHS to protect the public and prevent transmission.”
Streeting confirmed that the UK government is obtaining more vaccines and providing healthcare providers with the necessary resources and guidance to respond effectively.
Meanwhile, NHS national director for vaccination and screening, Steve Russell, reiterated the preparedness of health services: “The NHS is fully prepared to respond to the first confirmed case of this clade of mpox. Since mpox first became present in England, local services have pulled out all the stops to vaccinate those eligible, with tens of thousands in priority groups having already come forward to get protected. If required, the NHS has plans in place to expand the roll-out of vaccines quickly in line with supply.”
This follows the initial identification of Clade Ib mpox in the UK on October 30, 2024, representing the first occurrence of this variant in the nation.
The initial case involves a patient who had recently visited African nations with ongoing outbreaks and is currently receiving care at the High Consequence Infectious Diseases unit at the Royal Free Hospital.
“It is thanks to our surveillance that we have been able to detect this virus,” noted Hopkins.
“This is the first time we have detected this clade of mpox in the UK, though other cases have been confirmed abroad. We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread.”
UKHSA’s technical briefings and collaboration with international health organizations are integral components of a continuous approach to track and manage the outbreak.
As the public awaits further updates, health authorities urge vigilance. “While the risk of catching mpox in the UK remains low, it’s crucial to stay informed and seek medical guidance if symptoms, such as a rash or fever, appear,” emphasised Russell.
The statement indicates that the UKHSA’s active approach persists as they release technical updates and evaluate containment measures to safeguard the public during this changing scenario.
