The UK Health Protection Agency (UKHSA) has detected two more cases of infection with a new strain of monkeypox, according to a report published on the British government’s website.
A UKHSA spokesperson said:
“Two cases of infection with mpox Ib virus have been detected. Thus, the total number of confirmed cases has reached three.”
He also clarified that the two infected people were in contact with the first person who became ill.
Those who have been in contact with these sick people will be offered testing and vaccination if necessary. If they develop symptoms of the disease or test positive, they will receive treatment recommendations, the agency emphasised. It noted that the overall risk of disease for the country’s population remains low.
The first case of monkeypox infection in the UK was reported at the end of October.
The African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on August 13 declared a public health emergency on the continent over the spread of mpox. According to the centre, outbreaks of the disease have been recorded in 17 African countries in 2024.
On August 14, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said mpox constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. Five African countries – Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda – are on the WHO-approved list of nations that have been recommended special measures to counter the virus.
Monkeypox is a disease transmitted from animals to humans and manifested by a characteristic rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Monkeypox can be passed to humans through physical contact with an infected person, contaminated furnishings or infected animals, WHO said.
