Health authorities in the United Kingdom have confirmed a fifth case of a new mpox variant, clade Ib, in recent weeks.
The latest case, reported in Leeds, involves a patient who recently returned from Uganda, where community transmission of this variant has been documented, according to Digi24.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) states that the patient is receiving specialized care, and the case is not linked to earlier infections in the country.
Clade Ib, a new strain of the mpox virus, is more contagious and severe than previous versions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global public health emergency related to the variant in August.
Although the UK reports a low risk to the general population, this strain has raised international concerns due to its rapid spread and limited available data.
Health Issue Since 1970s
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has been a public health issue in parts of Africa since the 1970s. It garnered global attention in 2022 when the clade II variant spread worldwide, primarily among men who have sex with men.
The new clade Ib variant, however, appears to have a broader transmission profile and has been reported in 19 African countries and five non-African nations, including Germany, Sweden, India, Thailand, and the UK.
As of 2024, Africa has reported more than 48,000 suspected mpox cases and over 1,100 deaths.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the most affected, with over 10,000 cases and 43 deaths this year alone.
Cases in the DRC involve both the endemic clade I and the newer clade Ib variant.
Transmission occurs through close physical contact, including sexual contact. The infection typically lasts two to four weeks and causes flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, and pustular skin lesions.
In severe cases, it can be fatal. While vaccines offer partial immunity, they do not fully prevent severe symptoms or infection.
The global spread of clade Ib has sparked concern about a potential pandemic. WHO has approved two vaccines for emergency use, including one for individuals over the age of one.
Countries like Uganda, Kenya, and Zambia are working closely with international health organizations to monitor and contain the outbreak.
Countries with Confirmed Mpox Clade Ib Cases:
Germany: First detected on October 22, with low risk to the general population.
United Kingdom: Five cases confirmed, most recently in Leeds.
Sweden: Case confirmed on August 15 in an individual infected in Africa.
Democratic Republic of Congo: Over 10,000 cases and 43 deaths reported in 2024.
Thailand: First case reported on August 21 in a European traveler.
India: Case detected on September 23 in a traveler from the UAE.
Burundi: 2,003 cases and one death reported by November 15.
Kenya: 17 confirmed cases and one death as of November 13.
Rwanda: 26 cases reported by November 6.
Uganda: 521 cases and one death as of November 13.
Zambia: First case confirmed on October 10.
