An infectious diseases expert warned that a more dangerous variant of mpox – formerly called monkeypox – could have “very likely” already made its way to the UK.
First it was discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo; later, it was confirmed in Sweden and Pakistan. This new strain belongs to a viral type called clade 1b. According to experts, it is the most dangerous variant so far.
This strain was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization earlier this week after it had rapidly spread to 13 African countries, resulting in more than 15,600 reported cases with 537 deaths.
According to professor Hunter, despite these grim statistics, cases may still go under the radar in the UK for a few weeks until people come forward with symptoms.
Suggested: Mpox Outbreak Spreads Beyond Africa: Here’s How to Stay Safe
What to Watch For
It often starts with quite general symptoms, which resemble a flu or COVID-19, and then it develops characteristic rashes on the body.
Mpox is hard to identify at its beginning stages because of this initial presentation, according to Professor Hunter.
“When somebody gets an infection, it usually takes several days before they develop that classic appearance that would make people think, ‘oh, this is mpox’,” he said.
Tests to identify the exact strain add to the time taken before cases are identified.
More about Mpox
Mpox is predominantly transmitted through contact with fluid from the blisters, usually via sexual contact.
Other modes for transmission include sharing towels or skin-to-skin contact.
These ways of transmitting it are very unlikely to spread it. Prof. Hunter reassures that, though it is a new variant and a serious one, for the overwhelming majority of people—for those who are outside specific high-risk “sexual networks” that include multiple partners—the chance of infection is low.
In Africa, where the new clade 1b variant has been spreading, the mortality rate is quite concerning, killing 3-4% of people with the cases.
However, Professor Hunter believes that if the disease spreads to Europe, the mortality rate may stand at a lower rate of death due to better health-care support.
“One of the ways you reduce the mortality rate is by providing really good supportive care,” he noted.
“As long as you can keep people alive until they recover on their own, that’s really effective at reducing mortality.”
The UK’s Preparedness
UKHSA says the current risk from mpox in the UK remains very low, and the vaccination deployed against mpox is likely to be effective against this new variant.
That is some comfort amidst the ongoing presence of a less virulent clade 2 variant in the country that set off a health warning from the WHO last year and has yielded about 180 cases this year.
The experience of those who have contracted mpox in previous outbreaks, however, serves as a warning for vigilance.
Harun Tulunay fought mpox during the 2022 outbreak, describing the serious symptoms faced, such as high fevers, aching muscles, and very painful lesions. Misdiagnosed several times, he finally received proper treatment and vaccination against future strains.
Reflecting on his case, Tulunay was a big believer in the vaccine’s wider implementation, particularly in high-risk regions such as Africa.
“If there were a vaccine available in Africa, we wouldn’t have a 2024 version of mpox right now,” he said, looking to convey the global need for better preparedness and vaccine distribution.
Watching all the developments around this new mpox variant, one should take all precautions and follow any new information.
If you have a suspicion that you might have mpox, see your doctor or local genito-urinary clinic for advice about attending the clinic or hospital.
