Case of Mpox has been detected in Leeds
The person had recently returned from Uganda.
Last updated 29th Nov 2024
A new case of Mpox has been detected in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed.
The case was detected in Leeds and the individual is now under specialist care in Sheffield. They had recently returned from Uganda.
The UKHSA say the risk to the UK population remains low. We expect to see the occasional imported case of Clade Ib mpox in the UK.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said:
“It is thanks to clinicians rapidly recognising the symptoms and our diagnostics tests that we have been able to detect this new case.
“The risk to the UK population remains low following this fifth case, and we are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread. In accordance with established protocols, investigations are underway to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases.”
Clade Ib mpox has been widely circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya in recent months. Imported cases have been detected in Canada, Sweden, India, Thailand and Germany.
There has been extensive planning underway to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to any further confirmed cases.