The United Kingdom Health Security Agency has recorded two new cases of Clade Ib mpox, bringing the total confirmed cases in the UK to three.
These recent infections have been linked to household contacts of the initial case, highlighting the virus’s capability for swift transmission in close-contact settings.
Both patients are currently receiving specialized treatment at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London, as confirmed in a release late Monday evening from the UKHSA, which was circulated to the media on Tuesday.
Despite the emergence of these cases, health officials have emphasized that the overall risk to the general UK population remains low.
Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, Professor Susan Hopkins, spoke about 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 already initiated extensive measures, tracing and monitoring all close contacts of the identified cases to mitigate further spread.
In her comments, Hopkins added, “We are working with partners to make sure all contacts of the cases are identified and contacted to reduce the risk of further spread.” Those identified as contacts are being offered testing and vaccinations, along with guidance on necessary care should symptoms arise.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting commended the healthcare response, expressing gratitude for the efforts of healthcare professionals.
“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,” he remarked.
Streeting also assured that the UK government is taking proactive steps to secure additional vaccine supplies and equip healthcare providers with the necessary tools and guidance for effective response.
NHS national director for vaccination and screening, Steve Russell, reiterated the readiness of health services, stating, “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 development follows the initial detection of Clade Ib mpox in the UK on October 30, 2024, marking the first instance of this particular strain in the country.
The first patient, who had recently traveled to several African nations experiencing outbreaks, is being treated at the Royal Free Hospital’s High Consequence Infectious Diseases unit.
“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.”
Clade Ib mpox has been reported in various countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda, among others.
The UKHSA’s commitment to ongoing surveillance and cooperation with global health partners is a crucial component of their strategy to monitor and contain the outbreak.
As the situation develops, health authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant.
“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,” emphasized Russell.
The UKHSA continues to publish technical updates and evaluate containment strategies to ensure the safety of the nation in light of this evolving situation.
