The UK has confirmed its first case of a more transmissible mpox variant, raising public health concerns over the virus’s potential spread. This variant of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) has shown increased transmissibility compared to earlier strains, making it crucial for health authorities to track and contain its spread effectively.
The patient is currently isolated, with contact tracing underway to identify potential exposures and prevent further transmission. Health experts stress the importance of vigilance and recommend vaccination for at-risk individuals, as the new strain could impact public health measures.A single case of mpox – formerly known as monkeypox – linked to the recent outbreak in parts of Africa, has been detected in the UK.
mpox detected in UK
It is part of the Clade 1b outbreak, which appears to spread more easily between people. Mpox was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization in the summer.
The UK patient had recently been on holiday in at least one of the affected countries in Africa and began to feel sick 24 hours after flying home.The patient developed flu-like symptoms on 22 October and a rash two days later.
An mpox rash of pus-filled lesions can last for up to a month. Other symptoms include fever, headaches and low energy. The infected UK patient is being treated at the Royal Free Hospital’s specialist high consequence infectious diseases unit in London.
Laboratory testing confirmed the infection was Clade 1b. This form of the virus has been causing mounting concern. It appears able to spread more easily from person to person through close physical contact, including sex, than other types of mpox.
In Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda have all reported cases of Clade 1b mpox this year.
Its close relative Clade 1a is largely connected to exposure to infected animals or eating bush meat. Clade 1b appears to be milder than 1a, although it’s difficult to know for certain because precise figures on the exact numbers of people infected are hard to pin down.
Source: BBC
In other news – Arnold Schwarzenegger makes surprising political choice public
Arnold Schwarzenegger makes surprising political choice public. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former California governor and actor, recently surprised the public by revealing a new political stance.
Known for his longstanding Republican affiliation, Arnold Schwarzenegger has increasingly embraced a bipartisan approach, prioritizing issues that unify Americans regardless of party lines. Read more
