WHAT IS MPOX? NEW STRAIN IN DR CONGO 'MOST DEADLY SO FAR'

Health officials have warned that a new strain of the mpox virus spreading along the eastern border of Democratic Republic of Congo is "incredibly worrying".

Researchers warn that the virus, which causes lesions all over the whole body, could spread internationally, with potentially more severe symptoms and higher mortality.

The outbreak has been driven by sexual transmission but there is also evidence this strain can be passed on through close skin-to-skin contact.

A worldwide epidemic of mpox took place in 2022, and was brought under control by vaccinating vulnerable groups.

"The disease can go through airports. A person with lesions can go through borders because there are no controls," said Leandre Murhula Masirika, at the health department in South Kivu province – one of the worst-affected areas in DR Congo.

"I'm very afraid it's going to cause more damage."

Vaccines and treatments in DR Congo are limited, and local health officials are warning the virus could spread to other countries.

But what exactly is mpox, why was the infection’s name changed, and what are the symptoms? Here’s all you need to know about it.

What is mpox?

The NHS describes mpox as “a rare infection most commonly found in west or central Africa”.

You could be at risk of catching it if you have had any close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs, have touched bedding or clothing of a sufferer, or have been exposed to coughs or sneezes from someone with mpox.

It is, the NHS states, unlikely you could catch it in the UK — unless you have been in close contact with a sufferer or have been to parts of Africa recently.

First discovered in monkeys, the disease is usually mild but can cause severe illness in some cases.

Why has the name changed from monkeypox?

Mpox was originally known as monkeypox but the World Health Organisation changed the name after noticing “racist and stigmatising language online”.

What are the symptoms of mpox?

Symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion.

A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, which then spreads to other parts of the body, including the genitals.

The rash can look like chickenpox or syphilis, and scabs can form which then fall off.

The incubation period is usually from six to 13 days but can range from five to 21 days.

How many mpox cases have there been in the UK?

Government data has shown 3,553 cases of mpox were recorded in the UK in 2022.

The Department for Health has said: “The outbreak has mainly been in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men without documented history of travel to endemic countries.”

But cases have fallen sharply in the past six months as a result of vaccination and testing. At the time of writing, only 20 cases have been recorded in the UK in 2023.

What does the UK Health Security Agency say about mpox?

Anyone worried about mpox is advised to contact a sexual health clinic or call NHS 111.

While the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says the virus does not usually spread easily between people and the risk to the UK population overall remains low, it has urged all those who are eligible to get the vaccine.

Meanwhile, it is carrying out contact tracing of people who have been in close contact with the affected.

Register now for one of the Evening Standard’s newsletters. From a daily news briefing to Homes & Property insights, plus lifestyle, going out, offers and more. For the best stories in your inbox, click here.

2024-06-26T13:00:44Z dg43tfdfdgfd