UK Prepares for New Mpox Strain as WHO Declares Global Health Emergency

Health officials in the UK are gearing up for potential cases of a new strain of mpox, following the World Health Organization's declaration of a global emergency due to outbreaks in Africa. The strain, known as clade 1b, originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo last year, prompting concerns over its spread beyond the continent. Currently, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports no cases of mpox within the country. However, Dr. Meera Chand, a deputy director at the UKHSA, emphasized the importance of preparedness, stating that while the risk to the UK population is deemed low, proactive measures are essential. Plans include increasing awareness among clinicians for the prompt recognition of cases, ensuring the availability of rapid testing, and establishing clinical care protocols aimed at both treatment and preventing further transmission. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is primarily transmitted through close physical contact. It can manifest with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, typically resulting in mild illness but potentially leading to severe complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The WHO's recent declaration, made by Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, classified the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This designation aligns with the international health regulations of 2005 and marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle against the virus; the last PHEIC for mpox had been declared in July 2022 but was lifted in May 2023 following a notable decrease in cases globally. The emergence of the clade 1b strain is particularly concerning as it has already led to 100 confirmed laboratory cases in multiple countries—Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—none of which had reported mpox before. Prior to spring 2022, cases in the UK were primarily linked to travel to regions endemic to the virus, primarily in West and Central Africa. However, a significant shift occurred in May 2022 with the identification of sustained transmission within the UK, leading to a substantial outbreak predominantly affecting men who have sex with men. In response, a vaccination programme was launched in the summer of 2022, concluding in July 2023. Statistics from the UKHSA reveal that by the end of 2022, there were 3,732 confirmed and highly probable mpox cases reported in the UK. In 2023, from January to July, 286 cases were recorded, with the vast majority—269—occurring in England. Notably, 116 of those patients are believed to have contracted the virus domestically, while 82 are thought to have acquired it abroad. As the health community monitors the developing situation, the emphasis remains on vigilance and readiness. With global travel and interconnectedness, the potential for mpox to spread beyond its current geographic limits is real, making the proactive measures and awareness being implemented in the UK crucial for public health safety.