A significant rise in cases of mpox, a rare but potentially deadly viral disease, has prompted health authorities across Europe to issue urgent vaccination warnings. Since August 2023, at least 46 confirmed cases of the mpox clade 1b strain have been reported across various European countries, including the USA, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, and Portugal. This strain, which emerged from the Democratic Republic of Congo in late 2023, is believed to be more infectious than previous variants.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicated that the current outbreak represents a shift from earlier cases that were primarily linked to travel from Africa. The emergence of infections among individuals with no travel history suggests that community transmission of the virus is now occurring on a global scale. As of October 20, 2023, 16 cases of clade 1b mpox had been identified in England, with a notable trend linking most transmissions to gay and bisexual men.
Ioannis Karagiannis, a consultant for the World Health Organization (WHO), remarked on the evolution of the outbreak. “The situation has changed drastically in Europe since the end of August,” he stated. “We now have local transmission among people with no travel history and, most notably, within men who have sex with men.”
The clade 1b strain is not only spreading more easily but is also considered more dangerous than previous versions of the virus. Symptoms of mpox include fever, body aches, a skin rash, and pus-filled lesions. In severe cases, the disease can result in complications such as miscarriage in pregnant women or even death.
Vaccination against mpox is currently available through the NHS, particularly for specific groups, including gay and bisexual men, healthcare workers in high-risk environments, and those who have had close contact with confirmed cases.
Dr. Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at UKHSA, emphasized the importance of vaccination. “The ways in which we are seeing mpox continue to spread globally is a reminder to come forward for the vaccine, if you are eligible. Although mpox infection is mild for many, it can be severe. Getting vaccinated is a proven effective way to protect yourself against severe disease, so please make sure to get the jab if you are eligible,” she advised.
As the situation continues to evolve, health authorities are closely monitoring the spread of mpox and urging eligible individuals to seek vaccination to protect themselves and their communities.
