Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has prompted the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to elevate its risk assessment, with concerns that the virus could spread across the UK within two weeks

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has raised the risk level for mpox from low to moderate, following recent developments in Europe. This adjustment in risk comes amid growing concerns over the spread of a new variant of mpox, previously known as monkeypox.

The ECDC’s decision comes in response to Sweden’s report of its first case in the European Union on Thursday, followed by Pakistan’s confirmation of cases on Friday. The ECDC has highlighted the likelihood of more imported cases entering Europe, with its director, Pamela Rendi-Wagner, urging preparedness due to Europe’s close links with Africa.

Dr. Jonas Albarnaz, a research fellow at the Pirbright Institute specializing in pox viruses, has raised questions about the transmissibility of the new variant. He is investigating whether this variant spreads more readily than other clade I viruses and if it has a higher propensity for sexual transmission.

As the situation evolves, experts warn that the new variant may have already reached the UK. Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia suggests that the variant could be present in the UK, given the time required for infection, diagnosis, and identification of the clade. “By the time you get infected and diagnosed to understand what Clade it is, you’re looking at around two weeks,” Hunter said. He predicts that new cases could emerge in the UK within the next one to two weeks.

The current surge in cases has highlighted significant issues in managing the outbreak. Bronwyn Nichol of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies points out a critical shortage of testing, treatment, and vaccines across Europe. This scarcity is severely impacting efforts to contain the outbreak and manage its spread effectively.

In addition to the challenges faced by healthcare systems, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been considering declaring a global health emergency due to the rapidly evolving situation. The WHO’s concern is underscored by the potential for the virus to cause significant health issues across multiple regions.

Recent reports from Spain reveal that the country has implemented heightened measures at airports due to fears over the new mpox strain. Spain has urged UK tourists to remain calm despite the outbreak, which has a high mortality rate of 40% in severe cases. The situation in Spain mirrors broader concerns across Europe about the potential spread and impact of mpox.

BBC

Travellers to Africa are advised to consider mpox vaccination due to recent outbreaks of a new strain, Clade 1b. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) updated its guidance in response to these outbreaks, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and preparedness in Europe as well.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, can spread through close contact with infected individuals, including physical contact with blisters or scabs, touching contaminated items, and respiratory droplets from an infected person. It causes flu-like symptoms and skin lesions and can be fatal in severe cases.

Recent outbreaks in Africa, notably in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), have been linked to the more serious Clade 1b strain, which has led to at least 450 deaths. Although this strain has not yet been confirmed in the UK, there has been one case detected in Sweden, highlighting the potential for international spread.

The ECDC recommends that travellers to affected areas get vaccinated against mpox. For those who have been previously vaccinated, a booster dose might be sufficient. Booster vaccinations are typically advised every 2 to 10 years for those at ongoing risk.

Despite having effective vaccines, their distribution remains insufficient, particularly in areas with high infection rates. The ECDC’s guidance reflects concerns about a possible increase in imported cases into Europe due to close connections with affected regions. Public health authorities are urged to prepare for rapid detection and response to any new cases.

Overall, the ECDC’s recommendations aim to mitigate the risk of mpox spreading further and to ensure that public health measures are in place to handle potential cases efficiently.

The Independent

The mpox crisis in eastern Congo has escalated into a global health emergency, driven by the region’s severe humanitarian crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global health emergency following a significant rise in cases, including a new, potentially more severe strain identified in Congo. The situation has worsened due to ongoing conflicts and displacement, which have made it challenging to manage and contain the outbreak.

Eastern Congo, particularly around Goma, has become a hotspot for mpox, accounting for over 96% of the global cases reported this year. The region’s displacement camps, such as Bulengo, are densely populated and lack adequate medical facilities, exacerbating the spread of the disease. Many affected individuals, like Sarah Bagheni and her family, are unaware of mpox or unable to access medical care.

The new strain, Clade 1b, first detected in Congo, has contributed to a sharp increase in cases, with at least 500 deaths reported in the country. This strain may spread more easily and cause more severe disease. While mpox had previously been identified in Africa since 2017, the recent surge has highlighted significant gaps in vaccine availability and healthcare infrastructure.

In response, the ECDC and WHO are emphasizing the need for improved surveillance, vaccination, and healthcare responses. However, access to vaccines and treatments remains limited, particularly in conflict-affected and impoverished regions. The outbreak has also spread to neighboring countries, threatening a wider regional impact. Despite effective vaccines and treatments, the logistical and resource challenges in Congo hinder effective intervention.

Birmingham Live

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has upgraded its risk assessment for mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, from low to moderate. This change follows new cases detected in Sweden and Pakistan, with the ECDC anticipating more imported cases into Europe.

Mpox screening and monitoring are being intensified globally as a new strain of the virus, Clade 1, has been identified. The ECDC has warned that this variant could spread across Europe in the coming weeks due to its close links with Africa. Dr. Jonas Albarnaz from the Pirbright Institute and Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia have expressed concerns about the strain’s potential for increased transmissibility and its impact.

Despite effective vaccines and treatments, there is a critical shortage of these resources across Europe, which hampers containment efforts. Bronwyn Nichol of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies highlighted that these shortages are severe and obstructing effective response to the outbreak.

Currently, there is no evidence that the new Clade 1 variant is more transmissible or causes more severe disease than previous strains. However, as more information becomes available, this could change. The NHS is preparing for potential cases, and experts anticipate that new cases may emerge in the UK within the next two weeks.