First case of deadly mpox Clade Ib found in London – London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that the first case of the potentially deadly Clade Ib mpox strain has been detected in London, the risk “remains low.”

The infected person was on holiday in Africa and returned back to the UK on 21 October and within 24 hours they developed flu-like symptoms, then three days later a rash developed which got worse.

On 27 October the person was in the Royal Free Hospital where they were swabbed tested then sent home whilst the result was pending.

Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UKHSA, said, “It is thanks to our surveillance that we have been able to detect this virus.

“This is the first time we have detected this Clade of mpox in the UK, though other cases have been confirmed abroad.

“The risk to the UK population remains low, and we are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread.”

Prof Hopkins added, “Overall we are well prepared, and we have been preparing over the last number of weeks and months for mpox, with ensuring that we have the right diagnostic tests and developing a PCR test for this specific Clade,” she said.

“In addition, we have been buying vaccines and have started to widen out our vaccines to individuals who have been higher risk for Clade II, particularly gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men in urban centres. And further vaccine will be coming into the country shortly.

“We have an active plan of management here, which includes contact tracing, particularly close contacts that an individual has been in contact with from their period of illness, and we will be seeking to ensure that we contact each of those individuals and isolate the relevant individuals for up to 21 days after the last exposure.

“Where we consider that there’s a high risk they will also be offered a vaccination, and that vaccination will be delivered with collaboration with the NHS.”

Prof Hopkins said, “We’ve got a very high level of alertness and awareness in the NHS, primary care, secondary care, through NHS 111, and through any other services that people may contact as a result of feverish illnesses, feeling unwell or having a rash, particularly after travel.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said the government are working with the UKHSA and the NHS to protect people against transmission.

He added, “This includes securing vaccines and equipping healthcare professionals with the guidance and tools they need to respond to cases safely.

“We are also working with our international partners to support affected countries to prevent further outbreaks.”