UK Mpox outbreak confirmed as patient rushed to hospital
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A new case of Mpox has been detected in the UK, with a patient rushed to hospital. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the case was detected in East Sussex after an individual returned from Uganda. They are now under specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. This is the sixth case of Clade Ib Mpox confirmed in England since October 2024.
Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, said: "It is thanks to clinicians rapidly recognising the symptoms and the work of our specialist laboratory that we have been able to detect this new case. The risk to the UK population remains low following this sixth case, and we are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread.".
The UKHSA said the risk to the wider UK population remains low. In the context of the outbreak in parts of Africa, the agency expects to see the occasional imported case of clade Ib Mpox in the UK. It also confirmed this case has no links to the previous cases identified in England.
Close contacts of the case are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. Contacts will be offered testing and vaccination where needed to prevent further infections and they will be advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive.
The UKHSA added: "Clade Ib Mpox has been circulating in several countries in Africa in recent months. Imported cases have been detected in a number of countries including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden and the United States. There has been extensive planning undertaken to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to any further confirmed cases.".
