UK Reports First Case of New Mpox Strain Amid Global Health Alert

The World Health Organization has declared a global emergency as the more virulent Clade 1b mpox strain spreads from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Europe.

The first UK case of the Clade 1b mpox strain was detected in London, involving a traveler returning from Africa.
The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency due to the rapid spread of Clade 1b in Africa and emerging cases in Europe.
Clade 1b, originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is more severe than previous strains and poses a significant risk, especially to children and immunocompromised individuals.
Current vaccines, though limited in availability, are believed to offer protection against Clade 1b, similar to the protection seen with Clade 2b.
Transmission of Clade 1b is primarily through close contact, with concerns about its spread in regions with high HIV prevalence and limited healthcare access.