### First Case of Clade Ib Mpox Virus Detected in London, Risk to Public Deemed Low

The UK has confirmed its first case of the Clade Ib mpox virus strain in London. Health authorities, however, assure that the overall risk to the public remains low. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) states that there is no evidence of community transmission, with the patient currently receiving care at the Royal Free Hospital.

The patient, who had traveled to African countries experiencing outbreaks of this strain, returned to the UK on October 21. They exhibited flu-like symptoms more than a day later and developed a rash on October 24, which progressively worsened. The individual visited a London emergency department on October 27, where they were tested and sent home to isolate while awaiting the results before being transferred to the specialized unit at the Royal Free Hospital.

Preliminary contact tracing by the UKHSA has identified fewer than 10 people, including household contacts, who may have come into contact with the patient. The UKHSA continues to work on identifying any additional contacts. Mpox, which spreads through close contact, has seen reduced severity with the Clade Ib strain, showing a tenfold reduction in case fatality rates in the countries affected.

This marks the first detection of the Clade Ib strain in the UK, following Germany's first reported case earlier this month. In response, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting announced that the government is securing additional vaccines and providing healthcare professionals with the necessary guidance and tools to handle cases effectively.

In Africa, where Clade Ib mpox has been largely circulating, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported at least 1,000 deaths. The WHO recently declared the disease's spread as a global health emergency for the second time in two years, highlighting its presence in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Sweden, and India as well.