The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak in parts of Africa a “public health emergency of international concern.” The highly contagious disease – formerly known as monkeypox – has killed at least 450 people during an initial outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It has now spread across parts of central and east Africa, with WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus saying the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond “is very worrying”.

So far in the UK, there have been no recorded cases of the Clade 1 variant during the current outbreak. Last week, Sweden’s public health agency announced that a person has been diagnosed with the Clade 1 variant of mpox – the first case of this variant to be diagnosed outside the African continent.

Here’s what you need to know about the virus.

As Dr Michael Skinner, a virologist in Imperial College’s Department of Infectious Disease explains: “Mpox is actually a disease of small African animals, like rodents. The reason it’s been called ‘monkeypox’ is that it was first found in monkeys who – like humans – can sometimes acquire infections from small animals.

“It’s from the same family of viruses as smallpox, which was eradicated globally in 1980, and the vaccination against smallpox also protects against mpox.”

Anyone can get mpox and it can be passed on from person to person through close physical contact with blisters or scabs, touching the clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with mpox, and the coughs or sneezes of a person with the infection when they’re close to you.

Mpox has not previously been described as a sexually transmitted infection, though it can be passed on by direct contact during sex. It can also be passed on through other close contact with a person who has mpox or contact with clothing or linens used by a person who has mpox.

According to UKHSA, initial symptoms of mpox include “fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body including the genitals.”

The rash changes and goes through different stages, and can look like chickenpox or syphilis, before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.”

It usually takes between five and 21 days for the first symptoms of mpox to appear. 

“The risk to the UK population is currently considered low. However, planning is underway to prepare for any cases that we might see in the UK,” explained Dr Meera Chand, deputy director at UKHSA in a statement. “This includes ensuring that clinicians are aware and able to recognise cases promptly, that rapid testing is available, and that protocols are developed for the safe clinical care of people who have the infection and the prevention of onward transmission.”

Speaking about possibility of cases in the UK, Dr Skinner adds: “Occasionally, cases occur in the UK in people who have travelled to areas where the virus is more common. The UK recorded some cases in June 2021 and July 2022.

“When these outbreaks happen it is important to identify the first case of the latest cluster, and this is typically someone who has caught it outside of the UK. It’s also important that potential cases are identified, isolated and their contacts traced. In the meantime, it’s important to remember that transmission of mpox relies on people being in close physical contact, so it is unlikely to spread rapidly within the UK.”

Indeed, in 2022, there was an outbreak of the Clade 2 mpox variant, which was first detected in London. It resulted in 87,000 cases across 110 countries and 112 deaths.

Anyone with concerns that they could be infected with monkeypox is advised to contact NHS 111 or a sexual health clinic. People should notify clinics ahead of their visit. The NHS assures all calls will be treated sensitively and confidentially.

Images: Getty