A new case of the highly alarming strain of monkeypox, known as Clade 1b, has been detected in the UK, health authorities have confirmed. The patient, who recently returned to Britain from Uganda, is now receiving specialized care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that the case, the sixth confirmed in the country, was first identified in East Sussex. As the virus continues to spread in Uganda, health officials have begun tracking potential close contacts of the patient for possible exposure to the virus. These individuals will be offered testing and treatment as necessary.

This latest case marks a continuation of the pattern seen earlier in the UK, where imported travel-related cases have led to additional infections. The first instance of this strain was detected in the UK on October 30, 2024, after a person traveling from Africa tested positive. The virus, linked to travel from Africa, has caused significant concern, with the UK’s Health Security Agency reassuring the public that the ongoing risk remains low.

Dr. Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, highlighted the swift identification of this new case, crediting the vigilance of clinicians and the work of specialized laboratories. Despite the detection of the new strain, Dr. Chand reiterated that the risk to the wider UK population is considered low, and efforts are underway to trace and manage any potential spread.

The Clade 1b strain of mpox, which has caused over 1,000 deaths across central Africa, is considered more deadly than the Clade 2 strain that gained international attention in 2022. While the Clade 1b strain has a mortality rate of about 5% in adults, it is significantly more lethal for children, with the fatality rate rising to 10%.

However, experts have emphasized that the high fatality rates seen in Africa are unlikely to be replicated in developed nations like the UK, due to better access to healthcare. The new strain of mpox is marked by severe symptoms, including fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash or pus-filled lesions that can persist for up to four weeks. In severe cases, the virus can spread to the bloodstream, lungs, or brain, making it life-threatening.

The virus is primarily transmitted through close person-to-person contact or via contaminated materials, such as bed sheets. Health authorities urge anyone showing symptoms to avoid contact with others until symptoms subside.

Current mpox vaccines are designed to target smallpox, a closely related virus, and experts are closely monitoring the situation to assess their effectiveness against the new strain.

With the UK’s health officials remaining vigilant, the public has been reassured that the risk to the general population remains low, but authorities continue to track and manage the spread of this dangerous virus.


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