Mpox Cases Across England as WHO Declares New Strain a ‘Global Emergency’
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a “global emergency” following significant outbreaks in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This status, previously assigned to diseases like Covid-19 and Ebola, underscores the severity of the current mpox surge, with the WHO labeling it a “public health emergency of international concern.”
The situation has escalated with the detection of a new infectious strain of mpox in Europe. This comes as Africa battles a surge in infections, driven by the more severe Clade I strain, which has not yet been reported in the UK.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there have been 269 recorded cases of mpox in England between 2023 and 2024. Of these, 116 infections are believed to have been contracted within the UK, 82 are linked to overseas travel, and 71 cases are still under investigation. Mpox outbreaks in the UK have predominantly affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
Professor Dimie Ogoina, chair of WHO’s Emergency Committee, warned about the rapid rise in cases and the emergence of a new sexually transmissible strain, stating, “This is an emergency, not only for Africa but for the entire globe.”
Mpox, a contagious disease caused by a virus, presents flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and distinctive skin rashes or pus-filled lesions lasting two to four weeks. The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person or animal, reported The Independent.
In 2024 alone, more than 15,600 cases of mpox and 537 deaths have been reported globally, surpassing last year’s totals. In the UK, London has been identified as a hotspot for suspected cases, particularly in Lambeth and Southwark, with signs of the disease also emerging in Manchester, Suffolk, and Yorkshire.
Dr. Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, reassured the public, stating, “The risk to the UK population is currently considered low. However, planning is underway to prepare for any cases that we might see in the UK.” She emphasized the importance of clinician awareness, rapid testing, and the development of protocols for safe clinical care and prevention of transmission.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern about the new Clade I strain’s rapid spread in eastern DRC and neighboring countries, stressing the need for a coordinated international response to stop these outbreaks and save lives.