New Dangerous Mpox Strain Hits London: Two More Cases Confirmed
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed two more cases of a new, more dangerous mpox strain – Clade 1b – in London. Both patients, being treated at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, live in the same household as the UK’s first confirmed Clade 1b case reported last Friday.
Household Transmission Sparks Concern
Professor Susan Hopkins, UKHSA’s Chief Medical Adviser, warned that close-contact settings like households increase the risk of spreading mpox. She said, “Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact, so it is not unexpected to see further cases within the same household.” Despite this, she stressed the overall risk to the UK population remains low.
Health officials are now contacting other potential exposures for testing and vaccination as necessary.
Origin and Severity of Clade 1b Variant
The initial UK case involved a traveller returning from an affected area in Africa on October 21. Clade 1b is a more severe variant than previous mpox strains found in the UK, spreading more easily and causing more serious illness.
First detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo last year, Clade 1b has infected over 25,000 people and caused at least 1,000 deaths. The World Health Organisation declared it a global health emergency earlier this year.
The strain has spread beyond Africa, with cases popping up in Sweden, Germany, India, and Thailand—mostly in travellers returning from infected regions.
What Is Mpox? Symptoms and Risks
Mpox, formerly monkeypox, spreads mainly through close contact, including skin-to-skin and respiratory droplets. It causes a distinct lumpy rash, fever, and body aches. Pregnant women face serious risks, including miscarriage.
Health authorities urge anyone exposed to the virus or experiencing symptoms to seek medical advice immediately.
