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Health officials have issued an mpox warning after a surge of cases in Europe that have "no connection" to countries with known transmission. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged those eligible to get vaccinated against the virus amid the global outbreak . 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 - a more severe form of the mpox virus - outside of endemic areas, such as in Europe and North America, led to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring it a global health emergency in August last year. The UKHSA said on Monday (October 27) it is aware of a small number of cases of 'clade Ib' mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in Spain, Italy, Portugal and the Netherlands, as well as the US. It also warned that most of the new mpox cases identified 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. Those eligible are urged to get vaccinated against mpox, which the UKHSA says is the best protection. The UK has a routine mpox vaccination programme for higher risk groups, including those who: A new UKHSA report on mpox has warned there is a "high risk" of 'clade I' mpox into the UK due to community transmission in countries with strong travel links to the UK. While it says there is a "low to medium risk" of onwards transmission in the UK if mpox importation should occur, it says there is a "medium risk" of acquisition in the UK. The UKHSA said in its report: "For the general UK population, exposure is unlikely. However, we expect continued importation and some degree of onwards transmission. "Individual risk varies depending on behaviour and setting. People in high-contact environments may face a higher risk if mpox is introduced, particularly those involved in close physical or intimate contact, including sexual networks with multiple partners." Mpox is usually a mild infection but it can be severe. Common symptoms include a skin rash or lesions filled with pus, which can last from two to four weeks. Other symptoms include a fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, tiredness and swollen lymph nodes. The virus spreads from person to person through close physical contact, coughs or sneezes and touching infected clothing, bedding or towels. 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."
