Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 05, 2024 2 hours, 51 minutes ago
Medical News:
Rising Mpox Cases in the UK
The United Kingdom has reported two more cases of a potentially deadly variant of mpox, a viral disease known for causing high fever, severe rash, and, in some cases, death. These additional cases, identified by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), were found among household contacts of the country’s first confirmed case, raising the total number of cases in the UK to three. This
Medical News report sheds light on the spread of the virus and current health measures.
UK Reports More Cases of Deadly New Mpox Variant
The first case of this mpox (Monkeypox) strain, known as Clade Ib, emerged in London on October 30 in a traveler recently returned from Africa, where mpox has surged in specific regions.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/mpox-clade-ib-discovered-in-united-kingdom
The Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring areas have been especially hard-hit, with nearly 1,000 fatalities linked to the disease. Following this initial UK case, the virus was detected in two close contacts, marking the first confirmed cases of Clade Ib mpox in Europe outside Sweden and Germany.
Understanding Mpox Clade Ib and Transmission Risks
The Clade Ib variant of mpox has raised concern among health experts due to its contagious nature, especially within households with close contact. Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, explained, “Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact, so it’s not unexpected to see further cases within the same household.” While this variant appears more serious than the Clade II strain responsible for a global outbreak in 2022, UK health officials maintain that the overall risk to the wider population remains low. Currently, the two new cases are receiving specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.
https://ukhsa-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/two-additional-cases-of-clade-ib-mpox-detected
Mpox is primarily spread through direct contact with the rash, lesions, or scabs characteristic of the disease. Physical closeness, such as skin-to-skin contact, kissing, and sexual contact, increases the likelihood of transmission. There are additional risks from exposure to bodily fluids like saliva, as well as contact with contaminated bedding, towels, or clothing. Prolonged face-to-face interaction, where individuals may cough or sneeze near each other, also presents transmission risks.
Symptoms to Watch For and Spread Prevention
Mpox symptoms generally include fever, headache, backache, and muscle aches, followed by a rash that typically develops one to five days after these initial signs. The rash can appear as blisters, spots, or ulcers, potentially covering different areas of the body. As awareness of the virus grows, UKHSA is working c
losely with other health organizations to track contacts of confirmed cases, provide necessary testing, and offer vaccinations where needed.
To minimize the spread, the UK government and public health authorities emphasize the importance of identifying cases quickly and maintaining vigilance in household and healthcare settings. Although the virus’s potential impact is concerning, officials reassure that the current risk to the UK population remains controlled. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting stated, “We’re working closely with UKHSA and the NHS to secure vaccines, provide guidance for healthcare workers, and support affected countries internationally.”
Global Impact and Ongoing Surveillance
Mpox has spread across several countries, particularly in Africa, where it has impacted Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, among others. A recent report from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention indicated over 40,000 mpox cases and nearly 1,000 deaths in Africa by the end of September 2024. Mpox was declared a public health emergency of international concern earlier this year.
Health experts continue to monitor and study the Clade Ib variant, hoping to mitigate any widespread effects beyond the current cases. The UKHSA is engaged in collaborative efforts with health partners to track and contain the virus, with emphasis on international cooperation to support affected regions.
Conclusion
As the UK experiences a small but significant uptick in mpox cases, health authorities remain on high alert, implementing strict containment measures to protect public health. The current strain, Clade Ib, has proven particularly transmissible among close contacts, underscoring the importance of awareness and prompt medical response. With specialized care and ongoing research, the government is working to limit the impact of mpox and maintain low risk levels for the broader population.
For the latest Mpox News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/ceo-of-roche-warns-that-lots-of-mpox-cases-in-europe-are-not-being-reported
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/new-study-unveils-key-mechanism-in-fighting-herpesviruses-and-mpox-virus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/monkeypox
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