UK Government and Health Officials Ramp Up Preparations for Mpox Amid Global Health Emergency

Mpox: Chris Whitty and Officials Review UK Readiness Following Global Emergency Announcement

In light of a global emergency declaration, Professor Chris Whitty, the UK's chief medical officer, convened with government officials to evaluate Britain's preparedness for a potential mpox variant outbreak.

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Monday, August 19, 2024 – 4:

Government officials convened to review the United Kingdom's readiness to handle mpox following the announcement of a worldwide health crisis.

This year has seen over 17,000 cases of mpox and 571 fatalities across Africa due to the appearance of a novel clade 1b variant, initially identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Cases have been identified in nearby African nations, as well as in distant locations such as Sweden and Pakistan, though none have been reported in the UK thus far.

Last Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of the strain as a global public health emergency.

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Pat McFadden, serving as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, convened a meeting on Monday with officials from the Health Department, the Foreign Office, and the UK's Chief Medical Officer, Mr. Whitty.

Downing Street announced that the meeting was held to "make certain that adequate preparations are established to handle any possible scenarios."

Although this variant has yet to be identified in the UK, Professor Paul Hunter, a specialist in infectious diseases, informed Sky News that it is "very likely" that it is already present in someone within the UK.

He mentioned that confirmation might take several weeks, as it depends on when individuals start showing symptoms and seek medical advice.

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The condition leads to the formation of sores on the face and other areas, predominantly transmitted through the exchange of fluids from these blisters during sexual interactions.

Additionally, transmission can occur through various forms of direct skin contact, as well as when an infected individual coughs or sneezes in proximity to others. The virus can also be contracted by handling clothes, bed linens, or towels that have been used by a person infected with mpox.

Vaccines for mpox, formerly referred to as monkeypox, are now being administered in London and Manchester, UK. The NHS has identified two specific groups that qualify for vaccination.

Stay informed on the most recent developments from the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

The group includes gay, bisexual men, or men who engage in sexual activities with other men, particularly those who have numerous partners, partake in group sexual activities, or visit locations that host sexual encounters.

Employees at venues designated for sexual activities.

By September of the previous year, approximately 120,000 vaccine doses had been given out, including 78,000 initial shots and 42,000 follow-up doses.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) continuously updates the criteria for eligibility.

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Discover more: Understanding the transmission and dangers of Mpox. Why is the new Mpox strain, Clade 1b, considered the most hazardous to date?

In 2022, the UK witnessed its first cases of a prior variant, following which a vaccine originally developed for smallpox and also effective against mpox was approved for administration in the UK.

The vaccine currently in use in the UK remains unchanged.

The ECDC has revised its guidelines, advising travelers heading to 16 African nations where a new variant is widespread to ensure they are vaccinated prior to their trip.

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In addition to producing pus-filled sores, mpox symptoms encompass fever, headaches, muscle pain, back pain, and a skin rash.

The UK government states that the majority of individuals affected by the illness will recuperate within a few weeks without needing any medical intervention. However, more severe instances may necessitate the use of antiviral medications.

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