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What is mpox? Two new cases of potentially deadly Clade 1b strain discovered in UK

Umito November 5, 2024

Health officials said two more cases of mpox Clade 1b virus variant have been detected in the United Kingdom – and are household contacts of the first case announced in London.

The final two patients are under specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.

“Extensive planning is underway to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and ready to respond to any new confirmed cases,” UKHSA said.

“Mpox I“It is highly contagious in households with close contact and so it is not surprising to see other cases within the same household,” added Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA.

Professor Susan Hopkins of the UK Health Security Agency says mpox is highly contagious in close contact households.

PA wire

“The overall risk to the UK population remains low. We are working with partners to ensure all contacts of cases are identified and contacted to reduce the risk of spread.”

In September 2024, the government announced that it had ordered more than 150,000 doses of mpox vaccine in anticipation of the “probable” discovery of Clade 1b cases.

Experts have said Clade 1b is associated with more severe disease and higher mortality rates than the variant that caused the 2022 global mpox outbreak.

So, what is mpox, what are its symptoms and how is it treated?

Here’s everything you need to know.

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the mpox virus, which is a member of the orthopoxvirus family, which includes the variola virus that causes smallpox.

Discovery: The virus was first identified in 1958 during outbreaks in colonies of monkeys used for research, giving it the name “monkey pox”.

Human cases: The first recorded human case occurred in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Since then, mpox has been mainly present in Central and West African countries, where it is endemic.

Spread: Although mpox is primarily transmitted from animals to humans, human-to-human transmission can occur through close contact. The virus gained global attention in 2022 when it spread to several non-endemic countries, including Europe and North America.

Smallpox is generally less serious than smallpox, but its spread to new areas is causing public health concerns worldwide.

Why did the Monkeypox name change?

The WHO changed the name of the disease from “monkey pox” to “mpox” in November 2022. This change responded to concerns about the potential for stigma and racism associated with the original name. Some believed this could reinforce harmful stereotypes, especially as the disease began to spread more widely outside of Africa.

The name “monkey pox” comes from the fact that the virus was first identified in monkeys, but the disease is more commonly associated with rodents in its natural reservoirs. The WHO was looking for a neutral, non-stigmatizing name, consistent with naming conventions used for other diseases.

The decision to rename the disease is part of broader efforts to ensure that disease names are culturally sensitive and do not contribute to discrimination or stigmatization of individuals or communities.

What are the symptoms of mpox?

Symptoms of mpox include:

Fever
Headache
Muscle pain
Back pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Exhaustion

Additionally, a rash usually develops. It often starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the genitals.

The rash progresses in several stages, starting as flat lesions, then rising, filling with fluid (vesicles), and finally turning into scabs that eventually fall off. The appearance of the rash may resemble other conditions like chickenpox or syphilis.

Incubation period: The incubation period for mpox is usually between six and 13 days, but it can be anywhere from five to 21 days.
Severity: Although mpox is often mild, it can cause serious symptoms, especially in immunocompromised people.
Transmission: The disease is spread primarily through close contact with an infected person or contaminated materials, and it can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.

These symptoms and disease progression are crucial for diagnosis and management, particularly in non-endemic regions where awareness may be lower.

Mpox treatment focuses on symptom relief and supportive care, as most cases resolve within two to four weeks without complications. Patients can use over-the-counter medications, stay hydrated, and apply soothing lotions for pain, fever, and skin discomfort. Antivirals, including Tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be prescribed in severe cases or in high-risk patients because they are specifically effective against mpox. Cidofovir and brincidofovir are alternatives but are used less often.

Preventative vaccination with vaccines including Jynneos (Imvamune or Imvanex) is available for high-risk groups and can be used after exposure to limit spread. Isolation and hygiene measures are essential to prevent transmission within households and communities. Most people recover completely with proper care, although those at higher risk should seek prompt medical attention for optimal treatment.

What does the UK Health Safety Agency say about mpox?

The UKHSA has been actively monitoring and responding to the mpox outbreak since May 2022. It has focused on understanding the transmission dynamics, noting in particular that most cases involved men who have sex with men .

The UKHSA advises anyone concerned about mpox to contact a sexual health clinic or call NHS 111.

Although the virus does not generally spread easily and the overall risk to the UK population remains low, the UKHSA recommends vaccination for eligible people.

The agency also conducted contact tracing for people in close contact with confirmed cases.

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What is mpox? Two new cases of potentially deadly Clade 1b strain discovered in UK

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