New mpox pressure present in England as ‘involved’ well being officers problem warning
Scientists in England have discovered a new recombinant mpox virus in a person who recently travelled to Asia, the UK Health Security Agency confirmed
Scientists in England have discovered a new variant of mpox (monkey pox) as they issue a major warning to Brits to act now.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed that the strain was identified in an individual who had recently visited Asia.
The agency confirmed the detection of a “new recombinant mpox virus“, indicating that it carries genetic material from various viral strains. Genomic sequencing demonstrated that the mpox genome contains elements of clade Ib and IIb mpox, according to the UKHSA.
Dr Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at UKHSA, stated: “Our genomic testing has enabled us to detect this new mpox strain.
“It’s normal for viruses to evolve, and further analysis will help us understand more about how mpox is changing.
“Although mpox infection is mild for many, it can be severe.
“Getting vaccinated is a proven effective way to protect yourself against severe disease, so please make sure to get the jab if you are eligible.”
The NHS provides the mpox vaccine to those considered at higher risk of contracting the virus, such as men who engage in sexual activity with other men and have multiple partners.
Reacting to the news, Professor Trudie Lang, from the University of Oxford, expressed her concern.
She said: “It is of concern that there is an mpox case in the UK, and of further concern that it is a new recombinant mpox virus.”
“This case highlights that mpox is circulating globally and is evolving, as predictable with these viruses.
“The recent experience we have had, and still persists in Africa, when clade Ib emerged, showed that this virus can cause severe disease, and so measures to reduce transmission and prevent spread are vital.”
She further explained: “With clade Ib we observed changes in transmission, seeing person-to-person close contact as well as sexual transmission, changing from previous strains being limited mainly to animal-to-human and within households, and the previous European outbreak where the transmission was limited to close sexual transmission.
“So, if further cases of this strain appear in the UK, and anywhere in the world, it will be important to understand the route of transmission, the presentation and severity of disease, so we can assess whether this strain is more or less dangerous than previous ones and response accordingly with a connected global effort.”
Dr Boghuma Titanji, an assistant professor of medicine at Emory University in Georgia in the US, also expressed her concern.
She added: “The identification of a recombinant mpox strain containing elements of both Clade I and Clade II is precisely what experts in the field feared would happen if the virus continued to spread globally without a decisive response to stop it.
“The key concern now is whether events like this will alter the virus’s transmissibility or virulence.”
UKHSA has stated that it will “continue to assess the significance of the strain”.
The tell-tale signs of mpox include a skin rash featuring blisters, spots or ulcers that can crop up anywhere on the body, coupled with fever, headaches, backache and muscle pains.
Typically, the rash makes its appearance one to five days post the onset of fever, headache and other symptoms.
Mpox is transmitted between individuals via direct contact with the rashes, skin lesions or scabs triggered by the virus. This includes during intimate moments such as sexual encounters, kissing, cuddling or any other skin-to-skin contact.
There’s also a risk associated with coming into contact with bodily fluids like saliva or mucus; touching infected bedding, towels or clothing; and there’s even a chance of catching it through close and prolonged face-to-face interactions such as chatting, breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
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