Warning issued as cases of deadly virus increase in 2 UK areas | UK | News
Increase in MPOX cases in London and North West England (Image: Getty)
an increase mpox The cases in England led public health officials to alert health officials. The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) told a briefing that clinicians should be aware that certain groups are particularly at risk.
London and North West England It was stated that there was an increase in cases of viral infections that cause fever, rash and flu-like symptoms. “UKHSA plans to reissue advice to communities most at risk, remind clinicians to exercise caution and improve coverage of the two-dose vaccine for those eligible,” the briefing note reported by Pulse Today reads.
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Official figures show there were 56 cases of mpox clade 2b in England in January.
The first two weeks of February saw 47 recorded cases of the infection, which can be transmitted through kissing, sex, hugging, coughing, sneezing and touching surfaces used by someone with mpox.
The UKHSA briefing says most infections are among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
He adds that most cases are class 2b, but there has been an increase in class 1b cases in London.
According to the NHS, Clade 1 mpox is found mainly in parts of central and eastern Africa, while Clade 2 mpox is found at low levels in many countries around the world.
More serious symptoms are associated with Clade 1b mpox. Clade 2 mpox was behind the global pandemic in 2022. It is believed to be more contagious.
The UKHSA’s note says an increase in mpox transmission is still possible, but England’s “high” coverage of pre-exposure vaccination among eligible people will protect against another major outbreak.
UKHSA Head of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Dr. Katy Sinka said: Today’s Pulse: “So far in 2026, we are seeing an increase in mpox cases, a reminder that this troubling disease is not going away.
“If you are eligible, the mpox vaccine is now routinely available as part of your sexual health care, alongside STI and HIV testing, screening and other vaccinations.
“This is one of the best ways to protect yourself against mpox and reduces your chances of getting seriously ill if you catch it. Make sure you get both doses to get maximum protection.”
It usually takes five to 21 days for the first symptoms of Mpox to appear.
These include: high fever or feeling hot, cold, or shivering, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen glands, chills, fatigue, and joint pain. A person with Mpox may not get all the symptoms.
The rash usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms. It can occur anywhere on the body, including the palms, soles, mouth, genitals, and anus. Anal pain or bleeding from your butt is also possible.
Mpox is usually mild and improves within a few weeks, but more severe symptoms may require hospital treatment, according to the NHS.
