Mpox: UK Preparing After Virus Declared Global Emergency
…As Sweden Records First Mpox Case Outside Africa
Sweden has recorded its first case of mpox caused by the novel clade 1 variant, which is believed to be driving the latest outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring nations.
The patient had recently visited Africa.
The case was announced a day after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
The outbreak has affected the DRC and spread to neighboring countries, with over 2,100 laboratory-confirmed cases and 13 deaths reported this year.
The WHO has declared mpox a “public health emergency of international concern.”
The WHO is working to improve access to vaccines, with around 500,000 doses of Bavarian Nordic’s Jynneos vaccine available and another 2.4 million doses that could be produced by the end of the year if there are orders.
There are currently no cases of the virus in the UK, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said, and its Deputy Director, Dr. Meera Chand claims the risk “is currently low.
“However, planning is under way to prepare for any cases that we might see in the UK,” she added.
“This includes ensuring that clinicians are aware and able to recognize cases promptly, that rapid testing is available, and that protocols are developed for the safe clinical care of people who have the infection and the prevention of onward transmission.