Wed Nov 06 20:53:00 UTC 2024: ## UK Reports Cluster of New, More Infectious Mpox Variant Outside Africa
**LONDON (AP)** – Four cases of a new, more infectious variant of mpox, first identified in Congo, have been reported in the UK, marking the first cluster of illness outside of Africa. While the risk to the public remains low, UK health officials are urging vigilance.
The first case of the new variant was reported last week in a patient who had recently travelled to Africa. This week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced three additional cases, all members of the same household. All patients are currently being treated at a London hospital.
“Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact and so it is not unexpected to see further cases within the same household,” said Susan Hopkins, chief medical advisor of the UKHSA.
The new variant, which causes milder symptoms that are often difficult to recognize, was detected earlier this year in eastern Congo. This has led to increased transmission, as individuals may not realize they are infected. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global emergency in August due to the spread of the variant in Congo and other African countries.
While Britain saw more than 3,000 cases of another type of mpox during a 2022 outbreak, the new variant has also triggered outbreaks in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Single cases in travelers have also been reported in Sweden, India, Germany, and Thailand.
To date, there have been about 43,000 suspected cases of mpox in Africa, including more than 1,000 deaths, mostly in Congo. The WHO has allocated 899,900 vaccine doses to nine African countries currently battling mpox epidemics.
First Piper 