2024-11-05 19:02:00
The two people who contracted the virus live “in the same household as a person who tested positive shortly after traveling to several African countries,” explains the WHO.
Published on 05/11/2024 20:01 Updated on 05/11/2024 20:02
Reading time: 2min The emergency entrance to Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital in London, United Kingdom, January 7, 2021. (JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)
Two people contracted the new variant of the Mpox virus in the United Kingdom after being in contact with a patient who returned from Africa, making them the first local transmissions outside Africa, the World Health Organization announced on Tuesday, November 5. health (WHO).
These two people live “in the same household as a person who tested positive shortly after traveling to several African countries”specifies the WHO, adding that these are “the first locally transmitted cases in Europe and even the first outside Africa” since August 2024.
At that time, the organization had raised its highest level of alert internationally over the resurgence of Mpox cases in Africa. “The general risk to the population of the UK and the region remains low, but local transmission of clade 1b Mpox should prompt health authorities to strengthen their surveillance measures and prepare for rapid contact tracing of cases suspects and confirmed”Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, said in a statement.
The last two patients are being treated at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London, the UK Health Security Agency said, warning that more cases could emerge in the same household. A week earlier, the British agency had detected a first case of infection of this new variant in London. Others had previously been detected in Germany, Sweden and several Asian countries.
Previously called monkeypox, Mpox is a viral disease that spreads from animals to humans but is also transmitted between humans, causing fever, muscle pain and skin lesions. For several months, a new epidemic has affected Africa, with the highest infection figures found in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi and Nigeria.
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**Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Infectious Disease Specialist**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. We’ve just received news about two cases of locally transmitted mpox in the UK. Can you give us your initial thoughts on this development?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. This is indeed significant, as these are the first cases of locally transmitted mpox in Europe that we’ve seen since the outbreaks began. It highlights the importance of monitoring travel-related infections closely, especially from regions where the virus is more prevalent.
**Interviewer:** Right. The World Health Organization mentioned that these individuals live with someone who recently traveled to Africa. How concerning is this?
**Dr. Thompson:** It’s concerning, primarily because it illustrates how easily the virus can spread within households. Close contact is a primary mode of transmission for mpox. With global travel resuming, we need to ensure that public health protocols are in place to mitigate risks of transmission.
**Interviewer:** What measures should be taken to prevent further spread of the virus in the UK and Europe?
**Dr. Thompson:** Public health authorities should ramp up awareness campaigns, especially targeting high-risk populations. Testing and contact tracing are crucial. Additionally, there should be stringent monitoring of travelers coming from affected areas, along with advice for self-isolation if symptoms present.
**Interviewer:** The WHO has classified these cases as the first local transmissions outside Africa. What does this imply for the future of mpox in Europe?
**Dr. Thompson:** It shows us that the risks are evolving. We can no longer view mpox strictly as an African issue. If local transmission continues, we might have to reconsider our public health strategies and readiness to respond to potential outbreaks in different regions.
**Interviewer:** Last question, Dr. Thompson. What should individuals do to protect themselves?
**Dr. Thompson:** Individuals should remain informed about the symptoms of mpox and practice good hygiene, especially after traveling. If someone suspects they’ve been exposed or shows symptoms like fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes, they should seek medical advice promptly.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights on this important issue.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. Stay safe!