First Case of New Mpox Variant Detected in Britain

Britain's health security agency has reported the first case of the new mpox variant clade Ib. The variant, declared a global health emergency, originated in Congo and spread across Africa. The detected case involves a patient who traveled to Africa, now under specialized care in London.

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed the first case of the new mpox variant, known as clade Ib, in the country. Despite the emergence of this case, authorities assure that the risk to the general population remains low.

This variant was flagged as a global health emergency by the World Health Organization in August after it emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo and spread to nearby African nations. The affected individual in the UK had recently visited regions in Africa experiencing outbreaks and has been admitted to a specialist hospital in London for treatment.

Close contacts of the patient are under follow-up by health authorities, who also reported cases of this variant in various parts of Africa, along with Sweden, India, and Germany. Mpox, a viral infection known for flu-like symptoms and lesions, can be fatal. Clade Ib, in particular, is believed to cause more severe disease than its counterpart, clade II, and is transmitted through close contact, including sexual contact.

(With inputs from agencies.)