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British health officials have urged eligible people to get vaccinated mpox As a special type of disease Is spreading in European countries.
The UK Health Protection Agency (UKHSA) is aware of the low number of locally acquired cases An MPOX strain called ‘clade IB’ In the United States, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal, which have no links to countries with known transmission.
The health agency said this shows that community spread of the disease is now occurring globally.
Most of the new cases identified in Europe and the United States are in the gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men communities – a population in which transmission of that strain has not been seen before.
A new report from the UKHSA says that as of October 20, 16 ‘clade IB’ MPOX cases have been reported in the UK, all in England.
However, there has been no evidence of community spread among men who have sex with men, as all but one case – for which potential exposure could not be determined – was linked to travel to countries with evidence of community transmission.
The UKHSA has urged eligible people to get vaccinated as part of the UK’s regular Mpox vaccination programme. Eligible people include people who have multiple sexual partners, have group sex and visit sex-on-premises venues.
Dr Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at the UKHSA, said: “The way we are seeing mpox spreading globally is a great reminder to come forward for the vaccine if you are eligible.”
“Although MPox infection is mild for many people, it can be serious. Getting vaccinated is a proven effective way to protect yourself from serious disease, so please be sure to get vaccinated if you are eligible.”
The vaccine is about 75 to 80 percent effective in protecting people from ‘clade II’ MPOX. Although there have been no studies on the effectiveness of the vaccine against ‘clade IB’ mpox, protection from the vaccine is expected.
MPox is usually a mild infection, however, in some cases it can become serious.
Common symptoms include a skin rash or pus-filled sores that can last for two to four weeks. It can also cause fever, headache, muscle pain, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Richard Engel, chief executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “The last outbreak of Mpox disproportionately affected gay, bi and other men who have sex with the male community.
“Although it is described as ‘mild’, people who have had the mpox rash around the face and body, including intimate and sensitive areas, will tell you how unpleasant and painful it is.
“In 2022, we were unprepared for the MPox outbreak and had difficulty mobilizing available tools – this time we have a government-funded vaccine program available to gay and bi men and it is strongly encouraged for those who have multiple partners, attend sex parties or have sex in campus venues.”
Mr Engel urged people wishing to travel to Winter Pride events should get vaccinated at least once, if not twice, and said anyone experiencing a rash after sex should seek a sexual health clinic or call THT Direct on 0808 802 1221.
Anyone who thinks they may have mumps should contact NHS 111 for advice about what to do. To check if you’re eligible or want to book an appointment, visit mpox vaccine nhs,