UKHSA investigation after patient found to have Clade Ib mpox with no links to confirmed cases
An investigation is under way after health chiefs found a new case of mpox in a UK patient. The individual found with the disease has with no known links to other confirmed cases.
The UKHSA also says the person has not travelled to affected countries. Now it is trying to establish where the virus has been contracted.
It said on Monday it has "detected a single confirmed human case of Clade Ib mpox where the case had no reported travel history and no reported link with previously confirmed cases in the UK."
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It added: "More work is ongoing to determine where the individual, who is resident in the North East of England, may have caught the infection. The individual was diagnosed in March, all contacts have been followed up and no further cases identified.
"The risk to the UK population remains low. Clade Ia and Ib mpox are no longer classified as a high consequence infectious disease (HCID). UKHSA has robust mechanisms in place to investigate suspected cases of mpox of all clade types, irrespective of travel history.
"All previous cases in the UK to date have either travelled to an affected country or have a link to someone that has." The Agency set out signs of mpox to watch for.
It said: "Common symptoms of mpox include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions which can last 2 to 4 weeks. It can also cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes." Further information about symptoms is available on the NHS website.
UKHSA Mpox Incident Director Dr Gillian Armstrong said: "The risk to the UK population from mpox remains low. The majority of people who have presented with symptoms report close physical contact, including massages, or sex prior to developing symptoms.
"Regardless of whether you have travelled or not, it is important to remain alert to the risks. Anyone who thinks they may have mpox should contact NHS 111 for advice on what to do.
"While mpox infection is mild for many, it can be severe for some and UKHSA is committed to preventing its spread within the UK."
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