The UK could soon be overrun by a lethal strain of Mpox that could lead to deaths, according to health experts.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday described an ongoing Mpox outbreak across several central African nations as a “public health emergency of international concern”.
The same designation was used by WHO to describe the Covid outbreak in late January 2020, weeks before the deadly virus rampaged across the world, killing hundreds of thousands of people.
The UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Thursday it was taking appropriate steps to prepare for an outbreak of the Mpox virus. The Express understands that the agency is preparing so that rapid testing is available in the UK.
The new strain spreading within Africa is a more dangerous variety than the one which reached Europe in 2022.
The older version, known as clade II, was much milder and killed approximately one in 500 people.
The current strain causing concern among scientists is known as clade 1b and kills one in 20 adults. Its fatality rate in children is higher – one in 10. The virus is also believed to cause miscarriages in pregnant women.
Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in infectious diseases from the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline the new Mpox strain would likely reach Europe, and by extension, the UK.
“This clade Ib is spreading predominantly through intimate and sexual contact and so could well spread rapidly to areas around the world,” he said.
“It probably will spread to Europe, but that doesn’t mean we should stop trying to control it now.”
British health officials have been issued with urgent guidance, emphasising that clade 1 Mpox is a pathogen of the highest possible concern to public health.
They are obliged to report all suspected cases through the appropriate official channels.
WHO officials said the outbreak in Africa presented a danger to the entire world and said decisive action to combat the virus was immediately needed.
Committee Chair Professor Dimie Ogoina said: “The current upsurge of Mpox in parts of Africa, along with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the monkeypox virus, is an emergency, not only for Africa but for the entire globe.
“Mpox, originating in Africa, was neglected there, and later caused a global outbreak in 2022. It is time to act decisively to prevent history from repeating itself.”
The virus spreads between people via skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sex. However, it can spread through touching and by secondary contact – such as by sharing towels or bed sheets.
The disease causes lumpy lesions, as well as a fever, aches and pains and fatigue. In a small number of cases, it can enter the blood and lungs, as well as other parts of the body, when it becomes life-threatening.