Copyright manchestereveningnews
Health bosses have urged those eligible to get vaccinated against mpox amid a global outbreak of the infection. The warning comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed it is aware of cases of 'clade Ib' mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in Spain, Italy, Portugal and the Netherlands, as well as the US. The UKHSA warned the locally-acquired cases "have no connection to countries with known clade Ib mpox transmission." Dr Katy Sinka, Head of Sexually Transmitted Infections at UKHSA: "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. "Although mpox infection is mild for many, it can be severe. Getting vaccinated is a proven effective way to protect yourself against severe disease, so please make sure to get the jab if you are eligible. "It is important to remain alert to the risks from this unpleasant illness. Anyone who thinks they may have mpox should contact NHS 111 for advice on what to do." Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by a virus that belongs to the same family as smallpox. The infection is most commonly found in parts of central and east Africa, but a global outbreak in 2022 caused cases to spike across the globe. The spread of the 'clade Ib' variant outside of endemic areas, such as in Europe and North America, led to heightened surveillance of mpox. In August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a global health emergency. After nine cases of mpox were confirmed in the UK, health officials downgraded the risk of the infection from "high consequence infectious disease" status on March 19 - but now the UKHSA says it continues to see mpox spread globally. The UKHSA says common symptoms of mpox include: Mpox is usually a mild infection, but it can be severe in some cases. The UK has a routine mpox vaccination programme in place for eligible groups, including those who: The UKHSA says studies show that the vaccine is around 75 to 80 per cent effective in protecting people against 'clade II' mpox - another type of infection. Although there are no studies on vaccine effectiveness against clade Ib mpox, it says vaccine protection is expected. The UKHSA warns that most of the new mpox cases identified in Europe and the USA have been in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men - a population in which 'clade Ib' mpox transmission has not previously been seen. Richard Angell OBE, Chief Executive, Terrence Higgins Trust said: "The last outbreak of mpox hit the gay, bi and other men who have sex with men community disproportionately hard. "While it is described as ‘mild’, those who have the mpox rash around their face and body, including in intimate and sensitive areas, will tell you how unpleasant and painful it is. "In 2022, we were not prepared for the MPOX outbreak and the tools available were hard to mobilise – this time we have a government-funded vaccine programme available to gay and bi men and it is strongly encouraged for those who have multiple partners, take part in sex parties or visit sex on premises venues. "With Winter Pride season soon upon us across Europe, those travelling to these events would be wise to get vaccinated, at least once, if not twice. Those who have had 2 mpox jabs should have protection. Anyone experiencing a rash after sex should seek out a sexual health clinic or call THT Direct on 0808 802 1221."
