MPOX outbreak cases outside Africa have been locally transmitted for the first time, with two new confirmed infections reported in the United Kingdom, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO has issued a call for swift response measures, highlighting the variant’s transmissibility through close physical contact, such as household exposure and intimate contact, which could increase spread if not managed.
The U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported these cases as close contacts of a recent traveler returning from Africa, diagnosed with the virus just last week.
Following the primary case, the U.K. now has three confirmed mpox cases. The affected individuals, currently under specialist care, have shown flu-like symptoms followed by a distinct rash characteristic of mpox. While the UKHSA states that the risk to the broader population remains low, healthcare professionals are encouraged to remain vigilant.
Mpox, a virus related to smallpox, presents primarily with fever, lymph node swelling, and skin lesions or blisters. Clade 1b, the newly detected strain, has already led to outbreaks in parts of Africa, with cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo spreading into neighboring countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Imported cases have also been reported in Sweden, India, and Thailand, as well as the U.K.
The WHO first declared mpox a global health emergency in 2022 following outbreaks predominantly among men who have sex with men in Europe and the U.S. With the emergence of clade 1b, which notably includes pediatric cases, WHO’s recent advisory emphasizes readiness for rapid containment and monitoring.
Reference: VOA. WHO: 2 UK mpox cases first local transmissions in Europe. November 5, 2024. Available at: https://www.voanews.com/a/who-2-uk-mpox-cases-first-local-transmissions-in-europe/7852677.html. Last accessed: November 5, 2024.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
