Britain Reports First Case of New Mpox Variant Clade Ib

Britain has confirmed its first case of the new mpox variant, clade Ib, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), VOA reported yesterday.

The individual, who recently traveled to affected regions in Africa, was detected in London and has been transferred to a specialist hospital. The UKHSA noted that the overall risk to the population remains low.

The clade Ib variant was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) in August, following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that spread to neighboring countries. Cases of this variant have also been reported in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Sweden, India, and Germany.

Mpox typically presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, and while it is generally mild, it can be fatal. Clade Ib is believed to cause more severe illness than the previously widespread clade II. UK authorities are monitoring close contacts of the patient and will offer testing and vaccinations as necessary.