The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the current upsurge in mpox cases a public health emergency of international concern.
The emergence of mpox last year, along with the new virus strain the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Clade 1b, is the cause behind this declaration. At the moment, there are no confirmed cases of Clade 1 mpox in the UK. However, a case of mpox has been detected in Sweden, after a person was infected during a stay in a part of Africa were there was an outbreak.
‘The risk to the UK population is currently considered low,’ said Deputy Director at UKHSA, Dr Meera Chand. ‘However, planning is underway to prepare for any cases that we might see in the UK. This includes ensuring that clinicians are aware and able to recognise cases promptly, that rapid testing is available, and that protocols are developed for the safe clinical care of people who have the infection and the prevention of onward transmission.’
Symptoms of mpox include a skin rash or lesions that last two to four weeks. Other symptoms may include fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes. Infection is spread through contact with an infected individual or infected animals.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have updated recommendations in response to the new strain. They suggest travellers to affected areas in Africa consult their healthcare provider or travel health clinic regarding eligibility for vaccination against mpox.
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