Summary
- A new deadly strain of monkeypox is expected to reach the UK and has the potential to cause British deaths, according to infectious disease experts.
- The World Health Organization has declared the monkeypox outbreak in several central African countries as a ‘public health emergency of international concern’.
- This new strain, named clade Ib, is more deadly than the previous strain that reached Europe in 2022.
- The UK Health Security Agency is already planning for potential cases of the new monkeypox strain.
- Measures such as vaccination and behavior changes are recommended to help control the spread of the virus and prevent fatalities.
A new, more dangerous strain of monkeypox is spreading rapidly in several African countries, raising concerns about its potential to reach Europe and the UK. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a global health emergency, likening it to the early days of the HIV epidemic.
The new strain, known as clade Ib, is deadlier than the previous strain that reached Europe in 2022. It is estimated to kill one in 20 adults and up to one in 10 children it infects. The virus is primarily spread through intimate and sexual contact, as well as by skin-to-skin contact.
Health experts are warning that the new strain could reach Europe and the UK, but measures are being put in place to control its spread. Vaccines for monkeypox are available, and efforts are being made to ensure that those who need them most have access to them.
The outbreak in Africa has already resulted in thousands of suspected cases, with a significant increase in infections compared to previous years. Efforts are being made to prevent the virus from spreading further and to contain the outbreak within Africa.
Health officials are urging vigilance and preparedness in the UK and other developed nations, as the threat of the new monkeypox strain reaching these regions remains a concern. It is recommended that individuals stay informed, follow preventive measures, and seek medical attention promptly if they suspect they have been exposed to the virus.
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Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention