First UK Case of Dangerous 'Clade 1b' Monkeypox Detected in London – What You Need to Know

First UK Case of Dangerous 'Clade 1b' Monkeypox Detected in London – What You Need to Know

A highly dangerous strain of monkeypox, known as 'clade 1b,' has been detected in the UK for the first time. The patient, a recent visitor to an African country experiencing a monkeypox outbreak, began showing flu-like symptoms on October 21, followed by a rash three days later. After seeking treatment, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the diagnosis and identified the strain. The patient is now receiving care at London’s Royal Free Hospital in a specialized infectious disease unit, while authorities closely monitor the situation to prevent further spread.

Clade 1b Monkeypox: A More Lethal Variant

This recent monkeypox strain, clade 1b, has an estimated mortality rate of around 5% and is significantly more severe than other known strains, such as clade 2, which spread globally in 2022 and had a lower mortality rate of approximately 0.2%. The virus has caused severe outbreaks in central African countries, resulting in over 1,000 deaths since the initial outbreak, with countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo hit particularly hard. Cases outside of Africa have previously been recorded in countries such as Sweden, Thailand, India, and Germany, but this is the first known instance in the UK.

Containment and Response by UK Health Authorities

UKHSA has initiated a contact tracing operation to identify fewer than 10 individuals who may have had close contact with the patient, although officials believe the risk of broader transmission is minimal. Public health experts believe the patient was not infectious during their flight back to the UK, and the government is working with officials in the affected African country to investigate the case.

Dr. Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, reassures the public, stating: “The risk to the UK population remains low. We are acting swiftly to trace close contacts and minimize any potential spread.” Similarly, the Royal Free Hospital, where the patient is currently isolated, has assured the public that it is fully equipped to handle such infectious diseases and continues regular hospital operations with heightened safety measures in place.

Vaccine Rollout and Preventive Measures

In response to the confirmed case, UKHSA has announced an expanded vaccination effort and plans to secure additional mpox vaccine supplies. The current vaccines, initially deployed against smallpox and used during the 2022 monkeypox outbreak, are believed to be effective against the clade 1b variant, though they have yet to undergo comprehensive testing for this specific strain.

To prevent transmission, experts advise individuals who experience symptoms to avoid close contact with others. Common signs include fever, rash, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, with the rash typically progressing to lesions filled with pus that may persist for up to four weeks. Though transmission typically occurs through skin-to-skin contact or contaminated items, experts note that monkeypox can lead to severe complications if the infection spreads to the bloodstream or vital organs.

Future Outlook and Preparedness

As UKHSA and NHS teams work to safeguard public health, Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated, “The overall risk to the public remains low. The government is collaborating with UKHSA and the NHS to ensure the population is protected.” While clade 1b’s mortality rates have been devastating in regions of central Africa, health experts are optimistic that modern healthcare resources in the UK will help mitigate severe outcomes. The Royal Free Hospital's specialized high-consequence infectious disease unit, well-known for managing Ebola cases in 2015, is equipped to handle this and other severe infections to protect both patients and healthcare staff.

Key Takeaways:

• First UK case of dangerous clade 1b monkeypox strain identified in London.
• Patient recently traveled to Africa and developed symptoms upon return.
• UKHSA is tracing contacts but considers the risk to the public low.
• Expanded vaccination efforts are underway, despite limited testing of current vaccines against clade 1b.
• The Royal Free Hospital’s specialized unit is treating the patient while regular hospital operations continue as usual.

As this case marks the UK's first experience with clade 1b monkeypox, UKHSA and NHS teams are focused on containment and maintaining public safety, reinforcing the country’s readiness for emerging infectious diseases.