The United Kingdom is facing a growing mpox outbreak. It’s vital for everyone to stay updated and ready. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for a global health alert because of the mpox virus’s fast spread. This includes the clade I strain, found in several African countries.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is teaming up with the National Health Service (NHS) and local authorities. They aim to keep the UK safe and stop more cases.
Key Takeaways
- The UK is facing a mpox outbreak, with a focus on the less severe clade II strain.
- The overall risk to the UK population is currently considered low, as the more severe clade I strain has not been confirmed in the country.
- Healthcare workers, gay and bisexual men, and close contacts of confirmed cases are among those eligible for the mpox vaccine.
- The mpox vaccination programme in the UK has been rolled out, with ongoing efforts to protect high-risk individuals.
- Precautions such as hand washing, symptom monitoring, and avoiding close contact with potentially infected individuals are crucial to reduce the risk of mpox transmission.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, once known as monkeypox, is a viral infection. It spreads through close contact between people. The virus, part of the Orthopoxvirus genus, is related to the smallpox virus.
Mpox Clades and Transmission
There are two main types of mpox virus: Clade I and Clade II. Clade II has been in the UK since 2022. Clade I was rare, found in Central Africa, but is now spreading.
Mpox can spread through touching skin rashes or scabs. It can also spread through contaminated items like clothes. Clade I might spread through face-to-face contact, like talking or coughing, but this is still unclear.
In July 2024, the UK saw 43 new cases of Clade 2b mpox. This is much lower than the 1,339 cases in July 2022. The new Clade 1b variant in Africa is more contagious and deadly.
The new mpox variant mainly spreads through close contact, especially during sex. It mostly affects gay and bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men. Vaccines are now available for these groups, as well as for trans and non-binary individuals, some cis women, and those with HIV under certain conditions.
Mpox Symptoms and Clinical Features
The mpox virus can cause a range of symptoms. The most common symptom is a skin rash with blisters, spots, or ulcers. These can appear anywhere on the body.
Other symptoms include fever, headaches, backache, muscle aches, and joint pains. Swollen glands, chills, and exhaustion are also common.
The rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms. The number of sores can vary from one to several thousand. These sores can be found on the mouth, genitals, and anus.
Most people recover from mpox within several weeks. However, severe illness can occur in some. This is more common in those who are unvaccinated, young children, or have weakened immune systems.
| Symptom | Percentage of Participants |
|---|---|
| Genitals lesions | 56.3% |
| Perianal lesions | 41.6% |
| Systemic illness | 86.3% |
| Fever | 61.9% |
| Lymphadenopathy | 57.9% |
| Myalgia | 31.5% |
Recent studies show that mpox can present in different ways. Some people have systemic symptoms before the rash appears. Others have only skin symptoms.
Many cases of mpox also have HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. This highlights the need for careful monitoring and public health measures.
The global situation with mpox is concerning. Case numbers are rising, especially in areas like the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Vaccines against smallpox offer some protection against mpox.
This makes it crucial to stay vigilant and take effective steps to control the spread of this disease.
Diagnosis and Testing for Mpox
Mpox Testing in the UK
Diagnosing mpox can be tricky. Symptoms are like those of chickenpox. Doctors must do a detailed check and lab tests to confirm it. In the UK, the NHS and the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in Porton Down offer testing.
If you’ve recently travelled or might have been exposed to mpox, talk to the RIPL team quickly. All positive samples need to go to RIPL for more checks. This is key because the virus has two main types, each with different effects and how it spreads.
| Mpox Testing Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Clinical Assessment | Healthcare professionals must conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and potential exposure risks. |
| Laboratory Testing | Specific laboratory tests, such as PCR analysis, are required to confirm the presence of the mpox virus and differentiate between the two main clades. |
| Reporting | Mpox is a notifiable condition in the UK, and any suspected cases must be immediately reported to the relevant public health authorities. |
Getting a correct and quick diagnosis is key to managing mpox outbreaks. By sticking to the right testing and reporting steps, UK healthcare can help stop the virus’s spread. They also support those who are sick.
uk mpox outbreak
Since May 2022, the UK has faced a growing mpox outbreak. This viral disease was once rare in Central and West Africa. Most cases in the UK are from the less severe clade IIb lineage B.1. By August 2024, no severe clade I mpox cases were found in the UK.
Mpox Cases and Spread in the UK
Before 2022, the UK saw only 7 mpox cases. These included 4 imported cases and 3 local cases. The situation quickly worsened, with 3,732 confirmed cases by 31 December 2022. Most cases were in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
From 2023 to 31 July 2024, the UK reported 286 mpox cases. Most were in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. In England, cases ranged from 1 to 43 per month, peaking at 1,339 in July 2022. The total cases in the UK from 2022 to 2024 were 3,822 in England, 39 in Northern Ireland, 108 in Scotland, and 49 in Wales.
Since 2023, only 10 new mpox cases have been reported in the UK. This suggests the outbreak might be slowing down. Yet, the UK stays alert, watching for any severe cases.
“The overall risk to the UK population remains low, but the UK is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for any potential cases of clade I mpox.”
Treatment for Mpox Infection
The treatment for mpox, a viral infection causing fever and body rash, is mainly supportive. Most cases are mild and people recover in a few weeks without specific treatment. But, for severe cases or those at high risk, antiviral drugs like cidofovir and tecovirimat might be used.
The smallpox vaccine can also help control outbreaks. People vaccinated against smallpox may have milder symptoms if they get mpox. Vaccination, especially within 4 days of exposure, can lessen illness severity and stop the virus spread.
- Most mpox cases are self-limiting and resolve within 2-4 weeks.
- Antiviral medications like cidofovir and tecovirimat may be used to treat severe cases or those at high risk of complications.
- The smallpox vaccine can provide some protection against mpox, especially when administered soon after exposure.
| Treatment Approach | Key Considerations |
|---|---|
| Supportive Care |
|
| Antiviral Medications |
|
| Smallpox Vaccination |
|
The main goal in treating mpox is to offer supportive care and manage symptoms. While antiviral drugs and vaccination are options in some cases, most infections can be managed with medical support and rest.
Infection Prevention and Control Measures
Stopping the spread of the monkeypox virus (mpox) is key. It can spread through touching and breathing. It’s important to take the right steps when dealing with mpox cases.
The virus can spread through touching infected skin and touching things that have come into contact with it. This includes bedding and clothes with scabs on them.
Laboratory Handling of Mpox Samples
The mpox virus is a high-risk pathogen. All work with it must be done in a special lab. This lab must meet strict safety standards.
Labs doing tests on mpox samples must follow safety rules. This keeps workers safe from the virus.
| Key Measures for Mpox Lab Testing | Description |
|---|---|
| Biosafety Precautions | Strict adherence to biosafety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and engineering controls to prevent exposure. |
| Containment Level 3 | All laboratory work with live mpox virus must be carried out in a CL3 facility, with appropriate engineering and operational controls. |
| Trained Personnel | Only trained and authorised personnel should handle mpox samples, with regular competency assessments and safety training. |
| Waste Management | Proper disposal of mpox-contaminated waste, following established protocols for the handling and decontamination of infectious materials. |
By following these steps, labs can keep their workers safe. This reduces the chance of mpox spreading when testing samples.
Mpox Vaccination Programme
The UK is fighting the mpox outbreak with a strong plan. Over 150,000 doses of the mpox vaccine have been bought from Bavarian Nordic. This move aims to make the UK more ready to face the virus.
The vaccine is being given out in stages across the UK. It’s for those who are most likely to get sick, based on their health needs.
Eligibility and Effectiveness
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has said who should get the vaccine. This includes gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men with many partners. Also, healthcare workers, specialist workers, and people close to those who have mpox.
The vaccine works well if given before you might get sick. It gives 70-85% protection. But, if given after you’ve been exposed, it offers about 20% protection.
The UK is also helping other countries fight mpox and cholera. £3 million is being used to help the Democratic Republic of Congo. This will help 4.4 million people.
The UK is also giving £1.65 billion to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. This money will help fight mpox and other diseases.
The NHS is ready to give the vaccine to those who need it. They want everyone who can get the vaccine to do so. This is a key way to fight mpox.
So far, the UK has not seen the more serious clade I mpox. But, the number of clade II cases has gone down a lot since 2022.
The mpox vaccination programme is a big step for the UK. It targets those most at risk and uses help from other countries. This way, the government is working hard to keep everyone healthy and safe.
Travel Advice and Risk Assessment
With the mpox outbreak in the UK, travellers need to know the latest advice. The risk is low for most, but it’s wise to check the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. This will tell you which countries are affected and how to avoid getting infected.
If you’re going to areas hit by mpox, take care to protect yourself. Avoid close or sexual contact, as the virus spreads mainly through direct contact. Watch out for symptoms like rashes or blisters. If you think you might have mpox, get medical help right away.
Getting vaccinated against mpox is not usually recommended for most people. But, those at higher risk, like healthcare workers, might need it. Always talk to a doctor about your travel plans and risk level.
“Protecting oneself and others from the spread of mpox is crucial, especially for those considering travel to affected regions. Staying informed and taking sensible precautions can help minimise the risk.”
In short, the UK government’s advice on mpox travel advice and risk is clear. Stay updated, take precautions, and get medical advice when needed. This way, you can reduce the monkeypox risk and help fight the outbreak.
Protective Measures Against Mpox
To lower the risk of catching and spreading monkeypox, or mpox, it’s important to take a few steps. Washing your hands often, knowing symptoms after travel, and talking to sexual partners about health are key. These actions help stop the virus from spreading.
Staying away from people or animals that might be sick is also crucial. If you start showing mpox symptoms, isolate yourself and get medical help right away. Healthcare workers and those at high risk might get the mpox vaccine through the UK’s programme.
How to Protect Against Monkeypox
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Be aware of any symptoms after travelling to regions with known mpox outbreaks.
- Communicate openly with sexual partners about your health and any potential exposure.
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with individuals who may be infected.
- Steer clear of handling or coming into contact with animals that could carry the virus.
- Isolate yourself and seek medical advice if you develop any mpox symptoms.
- Healthcare workers and high-risk individuals may be eligible for the mpox vaccine.
By taking these steps, you can help stop monkeypox from spreading. This protects you and your community.
“The highest-risk transmission routes for individuals with mpox infection who are well are direct contact, droplet, or fomite based on expert opinion.”
Conclusion
The UK has been watching the global monkeypox (mpox) situation closely. It has focused on the more severe clade I strain. The country is ready to respond if cases appear.
The risk to the UK population is still low. But, it’s important for everyone to know the symptoms and how to protect themselves. This includes knowing how mpox spreads and how to avoid it.
The UK has started a vaccination programme for those at highest risk. It also works with international partners to keep up with the latest news. This helps ensure a strong public health response.
By December 2023, over 3,800 mpox cases had been confirmed in the UK. The country has a detailed plan to keep the number of cases low. It aims to stop mpox from spreading within 6-12 months.
The UK stays alert to the changing global mpox outbreak. It provides clear information to the public and takes steps to protect its citizens. By working with the WHO and other global bodies, the UK is ready to lead in fighting this health challenge.
FAQ
What is mpox (monkeypox)?
Mpox, or monkeypox, is a viral infection. It spreads through close contact with others. There are two main types, clade I and clade II. Clade II has been in the UK since 2022. Clade I is rare but now spreading to new areas.
How does mpox spread?
Mpox spreads through direct contact with rash or scabs. It also spreads through bodily fluids and contaminated items. Clade I might spread through face-to-face contact, but this is still unclear.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
Symptoms include a skin rash and blisters. You might also have fever, headaches, and muscle aches. The rash appears 1 to 5 days after symptoms start.
How is mpox diagnosed and tested in the UK?
Diagnosing mpox can be tricky. It’s often confused with chickenpox. A health professional must assess and test you in a specialist lab. In the UK, many NHS labs and the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Porton Down provide testing.
What is the current situation of the mpox outbreak in the UK?
Since May 2022, cases of mpox have been reported in the UK and other countries. Most cases are from clade IIb. As of August 2024, no clade I cases have been found in the UK. The risk is low, but the UK is watching closely.
How is mpox treated?
Treatment for mpox is mainly supportive. Most people recover in a few weeks without treatment. Antiviral drugs like cidofovir and tecovirimat are used for severe cases.
What are the infection prevention and control measures for mpox?
Preventing mpox spread is key. Wear appropriate precautions for suspected cases. Scabs are infectious and can spread the virus. Mpox virus is a Hazard Group 3 pathogen. All live virus work must be done at full Containment Level 3 (CL3).
Who is eligible for the mpox vaccine in the UK?
The smallpox (MVA) vaccine is offered to those at risk. This includes healthcare workers and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men with multiple partners. It’s also for close contacts of confirmed cases. The vaccine protects against both clade I and clade II mpox.
What travel advice is available for the mpox outbreak?
The risk for most travellers is low. Vaccination is not recommended for most. However, travellers to affected areas should take precautions. This includes reducing close or sexual contact.
How can the public protect themselves against mpox?
To avoid mpox, wash hands regularly. Be aware of symptoms after travel. Talk to sexual partners about health. Avoid close contact with possibly infected people or animals. Isolate if you have symptoms.
