This colorized electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in 2024 shows Mpox virus particles, green, found within infected cultured cells, blue. The virus particles are in various stages of maturity, which accounts for differences in shape. (NIAID via AP, File)
British health authorities have confirmed four cases of a new, more contagious strain of mpox, initially identified in the Congo. This is the first time the variant has led to multiple cases outside of Africa. Despite these new cases, scientists state that the risk to the public remains low.
The first case in the U.K. was reported last week, involving a patient currently receiving treatment at a London hospital after traveling to African countries experiencing active mpox outbreaks. Since then, the U.K. Health Security Agency has identified three additional cases within the same household as the initial patient. These individuals are also being treated in London.
Dr. Susan Hopkins, chief medical advisor for the agency, noted, “Mpox spreads easily within households with close contact, so it’s not unexpected to see additional cases among close contacts.”
This newer form of mpox, first spotted in eastern Congo earlier this year, is thought to cause milder, less noticeable symptoms. This makes it harder to detect, potentially allowing for easier transmission. The variant’s spread in Congo and other African nations led the World Health Organization to declare a global emergency in August.
The U.K. experienced a significant mpox outbreak in 2022, with more than 3,000 cases reported, part of a wave that affected over 100 countries.
Beyond the U.K., the new variant has triggered outbreaks in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Isolated cases in travelers have also been reported in countries including Sweden, India, Germany, and Thailand.
In Africa, about 43,000 suspected mpox cases have been recorded, including over 1,000 deaths, mostly in Congo. On Wednesday, the WHO announced it would distribute 899,900 vaccine doses to nine African countries battling mpox epidemics.
