Mpox Outbreak- UK Reports New Deadly Strain — What’s Next

A newly identified and more dangerous variant of the Mpox virus, known as Clade 1b, is causing global alarm as it rapidly spreads from Africa to Europe and Asia. This more virulent strain has been wreaking havoc in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it has led to 19,667 cases and 575 deaths in 2024 alone, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. This accounts for approximately 90% of Africa’s total cases. In response to the outbreak, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a global health emergency on August 15. 

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged member states to contribute to a $135 million emergency fund aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. “The outbreak can be controlled and stopped,” Ghebreyesus affirmed, stressing that this funding is crucial for the immediate phase of the crisis. Mpox, a virus closely related to smallpox, typically manifests with symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, and a rash that can develop into lesions. While the disease is usually less severe, the new Clade 1b variant has shown a concerning rate of mutation, complicating control efforts.

In the UK, where Clade 2 Mpox has been present since 2022 with no fatalities reported, the new strain has not yet been detected. Nonetheless, the UK Health Security Agency is preparing for potential cases. Deputy Director Dr. Meera Chand stated, “The risk to the UK population is currently considered low. However, planning is under way to prepare for any cases that we might see.” In recent developments, Sweden and Thailand have reported their first cases of Clade 1b Mpox, both linked to travelers from affected African regions. As the virus continues to spread, no travel restrictions have been implemented by the UK government as of yet.

The vaccine available in the UK, which targets Clade 2 Mpox, shows 70 to 85 percent effectiveness when administered before exposure. However, this vaccine does not address the new Clade 1b variant, raising concerns about the adequacy of current preventive measures. Experts, including Dr. Dimie Ogoina of the Niger Delta University Hospital, emphasize that the outbreak's rapid mutation makes it challenging to fully understand and manage. “We don’t understand the outbreak very well,” Ogoina noted. As the situation evolves, international collaboration and financial support will be critical in mitigating the impact of this emerging threat.