Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Oct 28: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised an alert over the detection of new cases of clade Ib mpox across several countries, including the UK, Portugal, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and the US, with experts urging eligible groups to come forward for vaccination.
According to UKHSA, 16 clade Ib mpox cases have so far been confirmed in England, though officials clarified that none are linked to transmission within the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) community. However, the agency noted that most new infections identified abroad have occurred within this population — a development not seen before with this strain.
“The ways in which we are seeing mpox continue to spread globally is a reminder to come forward for the vaccine, if you are eligible,” said Dr Katy Sinka, Head of Sexually Transmitted Infections at UKHSA.
The UK’s mpox vaccination programme currently targets people at higher risk, including those who have multiple sexual partners, participate in group sex, or visit sex-on-premises venues. While studies on vaccine effectiveness against clade Ib are not yet available, research indicates that the jab offers 75–80% protection against clade II strains.
Since UKHSA’s last technical assessment in December 2024, the probability of importation of clade Ib mpox into the UK has been raised from medium to high. However, the agency said the risk of domestic spread remains low to medium, due to strong vaccination coverage among GBMSM groups.
Mpox generally causes mild illness, with symptoms including rash or pus-filled lesions, fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, lasting two to four weeks. Though the clade Ib and Ia variants are no longer classified as high-consequence infectious diseases, the infection can still be severe in some cases, UKHSA warned.
Public health charities have also urged travellers to get vaccinated before attending upcoming autumn and winter Pride events across Europe to help prevent further transmission.