A new case of mpox has been detected in East Sussex, marking the sixth confirmed case in England since October 2024.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that the new variant – clade Ib – was identified in an individual who recently returned from Uganda, where community transmission of the disease currently exists.
The risk to the British population remains low, according to health officials.
The patient is currently receiving specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.
A new case of mpox has been detected in East Sussex, marking the sixth confirmed case in England since October 2024
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The UKHSA has confirmed that this latest case is unrelated to the five previous cases identified in England since last October.
The health agency and the NHS said they would not release any further details about the individual to protect their privacy.
Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director of the UKHSA, said: “It was thanks to clinicians recognizing symptoms quickly and the work of our specialist laboratory that we were able to detect this new case. »
“The risk to the UK population remains low following this sixth case, and we are working quickly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of potential spread,” she added.
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UKHSA and partner organizations are actively tracing close contacts of the case.
Individuals identified as close contacts will be offered testing and vaccinations if necessary to prevent the spread of infection.
Contacts will also receive advice on the care required if they develop symptoms or test positive.
Extensive planning has been undertaken to ensure healthcare professionals are prepared to respond to any additional confirmed cases.
Clade Ib mpox is actively circulating in several African countries in recent months
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Clade Ib mpox has been actively circulating in several African countries in recent months.
Several imported cases have been detected internationally, including in Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden and the United States.
In the context of the outbreak in parts of Africa, UKHSA expects to occasionally identify imported cases of clade Ib mpox in the UK.