Mpox warning issued in UK after cases spread in Europe
UK health authorities have urged those who are eligible to get vaccinated against mpox, as a particular strain of the disease is spreading in European countries.
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) is aware of a small number of cases of a locally acquired strain of mpox in the USA, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal, called ‘clade Ib’, with no links to countries with known transmission.
The health agency said this now indicates community transmission of the disease globally.
Most of the new cases detected in Europe and the USA are gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men; It was stated that transmission of this species has not been observed before in this population.
A new UKHSA report said that as of October 20, 16 cases of ‘clade Ib’ mpox had been reported in the UK, all in England.
However, no evidence of spread within the community of men who have sex with men has been found, except for one case in which possible exposure could not be identified; These cases are linked to travel to countries with evidence of community transmission.
The UKHSA has urged those eligible under the UK’s routine mpox vaccination program to get vaccinated. Those eligible include people who have multiple sexual partners, engage in group sex, and visit in-house sex venues.
UKHSA head of sexually transmitted infections, Dr. “The fact that we see Mpox continuing to spread globally is a reminder that you should come forward for the vaccine if you are eligible,” said Katy Sinka.
“For many people, mpox infection, although mild, can be severe. Getting vaccinated is a proven effective way to protect yourself against serious disease, so please make sure you get the vaccine if you are eligible.”
The vaccine is around 75 to 80 percent effective in protecting people against ‘clade II’ mpox. Although there are no studies on the effectiveness of the vaccine against ‘Clad Ib’ mpox, protection is expected.
Mpox is usually a mild infection but can be severe in some cases.
Common symptoms include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions that can last two to four weeks. It can also cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Richard Angell, chief executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “The recent mpox epidemic has hit gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men disproportionately hard.
“Although described as ‘mild,’ those who have had mpox rash on their face and body, including intimate and sensitive areas, will tell you how uncomfortable and painful it is.
“We were not prepared for the mpox epidemic in 2022 and it was difficult to mobilize existing tools; this time we have a government-funded vaccination program for gay and bisexual men, which is strongly encouraged for those with multiple partners, attending sex parties or visiting on-site sex venues.”
Mr Angell urged those wishing to travel to winter Pride events to get vaccinated at least once, if not twice, and said anyone experiencing a post-sex rash should contact a sexual health clinic or call THT Direct on 0808 802 1221.
Anyone who thinks they may have mpox should contact NHS 111 for advice on what to do. To check your eligibility or make an appointment, visit: mpox vaccine NHS.
