New Clade 1b Mpox Strain Detected in the UK Amid Growing Global Concerns

The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency as the clade 1b mpox strain spreads beyond Africa, raising safety concerns for travelers.

• The first UK case of the clade 1b mpox strain was confirmed on October 30, 2024, in a traveler returning from Africa.
• The Democratic Republic of the Congo reports over 1,000 deaths from 38,000 suspected cases of mpox, predominantly affecting adults through intimate contact.
• Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, presents symptoms such as fever, rash, and muscle aches, with a fatality rate of up to 11% in severe cases.
• The UK Health Security Agency assesses the risk to the public as low but advises travelers to follow precautions and seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
• Current vaccines, initially developed for smallpox, are expected to provide protection against the new mpox strain, though availability remains limited.

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