As a case of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) has been confirmed in the UK, Doctor John Burke, CMO of AXA Health, has revealed the top four symptoms to look out for and whether Mpox is a threat to the UK.
The case which is linked to the outbreak in parts of Africa has now been detected in the UK. The patient had recently been on holiday in Africa and began to feel sick 24 hours after flying home, with the patient starting with flu-like symptoms on October 21, followed by a rash three days later. According to the BBC, they are being treated at the Royal Free Hospitals specialist high consequence infectious diseases unit in London. The condition is understood to be part of the Clade 1b outbreak, which appears to spread more easily between people.
“Given there have been declared outbreaks of the virus in Africa, it’s understandable that the UK population may be worried about the virus spreading. However, the risk to the UK population is currently low”. But there are a number of symptoms Brits should be aware of as the first case in the UK is confirmed.
THE FOUR MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR ACCORDING TO A DOCTOR:
The appearance of a rash that looks like blisters across the face and body
High temperature and chills
Headache, muscle aches, back pain, and a feeling of exhaustion
Swollen lymph nodes
Mpox has actually been identified in humans since the 1970s and is endemic in central and Western Africa. However, recent international outbreaks in 2022 and now 2024 have raised awareness of it globally.
In 2022, the global outbreak was of a virus type that was almost exclusively spread by sexual contact and was controlled very effectively in the UK via targeted vaccination and public health measures – only 286 cases were reported up to July this year. The new outbreak reported widely in the press appears to be caused by a different version of the virus and is possibly more easily spread and severe although we are only just beginning to learn more.
Speaking about the issue, Dr John Burke from AXA Health said “These symptoms can be confused with other infectious illnesses, particularly chicken pox. At the current time in the UK, a history of travel to Africa or exposure to a known case are important features and advice from a health professional is needed if there are concerns. If you do contract the virus, it is usually mild and most people recover within a few weeks without any treatment, and there is an effective vaccine.”
THE TOP PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE IF YOU COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE VIRUS
Dr. John Burke shares “Self-isolation when unwell with an infectious disease and close attention to washing hands regularly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitiser is part of ordinary life in the UK post the COVID pandemic and these measures should continue. Being aware of the symptoms of mpox and avoiding contact with others and seeking medical advice if you suspect you may be infected are important precautions.”
