The World Health Organisation has recently declared a global health emergency due to the emergence of a new strain of Mpox (previously known as monkeypox*) in the Democratic Republic of Congo – with concern heightened due to evidence of spread to neighbouring countries.
*The main animal reservoir for the virus is actually thought to be rodents, so the original term monkey pox was in fact a misnomer.
How worried should we be in the UK?
Although this new strain is more aggressive than the previous monkeypox outbreak in 2022, it is fortunately still very difficult to catch.
We learnt from the last outbreak that it is spread only by very close personal contact and mainly sexual contact, particularly affecting the gay and bisexual community.
Whilst it is theoretically possible to catch mpox by an infected individual sneezing on you or by touching an infected person‘s clothing, bedding or towels, this is very rare.
What are the symptoms?
The incubation period for mpox i.e. the time between being exposed to the virus and displaying symptoms, is anywhere from 1-21 days but most commonly is around 7 days.
It is difficult to diagnose in its early stages as the symptoms are very similar to any flu like illnesses with fever, muscle aches shivering and swollen glands.
The characteristic pox-like rash may not appear for a few days and typically starts on the face.
The diagnosis is confirmed by PCR swab.
Can Mpox be treated?
The vast majority of patients experience a mild illness and recover naturally with simple supportive treatment.
Specific anti-viral treatments do exist although tend to be reserved for those who are at the highest risk of severe disease.
Can I be vaccinated ?
As with COVID-19, vaccination is only available via the NHS, mainly at Genito-urinary-clinics (‘GUM’ clinics) and only for those high-risk groups described above (or those who may have been in contact with a known case to reduce the risk of developing the infection).
Healthcare workers at such clinics are also being vaccinated, and indeed one of the Courtfield team who is working at one of these local clinics received their vaccination last month (with no side effects).
Interestingly, smallpox vaccination provides some protection against Mpox although vaccination against smallpox was discontinued in the UK in 1971, so only those born before that time may have protection.
Reassuringly, no cases of human to human transmission of Mpox have been seen within the UK to date.
It is worth pointing out that we have had sporadic cases of mpox in the UK for several years, including before the 2022 outbreak. The WHO has to call a public health emergency in order to ensure that support/funding is sent to areas of need. This is often then sensationalised by the press.
We must nonetheless remain very vigilant, and if any of our Courtfield patients have any questions, then please contact us via enquiries@courtfieldpp.co.uk
If you have travelled to one of the high risk countries and are concerned about possible symptoms please do mention this to reception before booking a face to face appointment.