Are Rising Mpox Cases in Europe Leading UK Officials to Urge Vaccination?

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men to ensure they are vaccinated against mpox, particularly as a new strain known as 'clade Ib' shows signs of local transmission in some European countries. Vaccination is viewed as the best defence against this virus, which, while typically mild, can lead to severe health complications.

Last updated: 6 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As health officials monitor the emerging strain of mpox, now referred to as clade Ib, there is a growing concern due to recent reports of cases in Spain, Italy, Portugal, and the Netherlands. The UKHSA has confirmed that there are currently 16 cases of this strain in the UK, all linked to travel from affected regions, with no evidence of community transmission within the gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) community. The agency is particularly focused on encouraging vaccination ahead of the Winter Pride events across Europe, which may increase the potential for transmission.

Key takeaways

The clade Ib strain of mpox shows signs of spreading in parts of Europe.
The UKHSA recommends vaccination for gay and bisexual men, especially before attending events.
Common symptoms include skin rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

Timeline: how we got here

Recent developments regarding mpox have unfolded rapidly:

May 2022: A global outbreak of clade II mpox occurs, primarily affecting GBMSM.
August 2022: The UK begins a vaccination programme targeting at-risk groups.
September 2023: Reports surface of clade Ib cases in Spain, Italy, Portugal, and the Netherlands, prompting renewed public health warnings.
October 2023: UKHSA identifies 16 cases of clade Ib in England, all linked to international travel.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent reports indicate that clade Ib mpox is spreading locally in some European countries, with Spain identifying its first cases without recent travel history. This suggests a potential shift in transmission dynamics, particularly among GBMSM.

What was already established

The UK had previously seen a significant outbreak of clade II mpox in 2022, which prompted the establishment of a vaccination programme targeting those at higher risk, particularly within the GBMSM community. Vaccination has been recommended for individuals working in environments with potential exposure to the virus.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

With the emergence of clade Ib, there is a heightened awareness of the potential for mpox to spread, especially in social settings such as Pride events. Public health officials are advocating for vaccinations to mitigate risks and ensure community safety during these gatherings.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses that cater to the LGBTQ+ community, particularly those involved in the organisation of Winter Pride events, will need to be aware of the public health advisories and may consider implementing measures to promote vaccination among participants and staff.

Policy and regulation

The UK government and health agencies are likely to monitor the situation closely and may adjust public health policies or vaccination strategies as new data becomes available regarding the spread of clade Ib. Ongoing public health campaigns are expected to emphasise the importance of vaccination.

Numbers that matter

16 confirmed cases of clade Ib mpox in the UK as of October 2023.
Over 30 previously reported clade I cases in Europe, primarily imported.
Two vaccine doses are typically recommended for those at risk, spaced at least 28 days apart.

Definitions and jargon buster

Mpox: A viral infection previously known as monkeypox, characterised by symptoms such as skin rashes and fever.
Clade: A group of organisms descended from a common ancestor, used here to classify different strains of mpox.
GBMSM: Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, a demographic particularly impacted by mpox.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, individuals in the GBMSM community should consider vaccination, particularly if they plan to attend any events where they may have increased exposure to the virus.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Health officials will continue to monitor the situation, and the UK may see an increase in vaccination campaigns and public health messaging as more information about clade Ib becomes available.

Signals to watch

Number of new mpox cases reported in the UK and Europe.
Updates from the UKHSA regarding vaccination programmes and recommendations.
Public health advisories related to upcoming events, particularly those attended by GBMSM.

Practical guidance

Do

Get vaccinated if you are part of the at-risk group.
Monitor public health updates from the UKHSA regarding mpox.
Practice safe sex and maintain awareness of symptoms.

Don’t

Ignore symptoms such as rashes or fever; seek medical advice promptly.
Travel to high-risk areas without being vaccinated if you are eligible.
Participate in events if you are feeling unwell or have had recent exposure to someone with mpox.

Checklist

Check your eligibility for the mpox vaccine.
Contact a local sexual health clinic for vaccine appointments.
Stay informed about mpox symptoms and transmission routes.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the current vaccination programme is aimed at protecting those at highest risk, the effectiveness against clade Ib has not been conclusively tested. Moreover, the emergence of local transmission patterns indicates that ongoing vigilance and public health measures will be crucial to prevent further spread. The situation remains fluid, and updates from health authorities are essential to stay informed.

Bottom line

As clade Ib of mpox shows signs of spreading in Europe, UK health officials are stressing the importance of vaccination for at-risk groups. Staying informed and proactive about vaccination can help mitigate risks, particularly ahead of the Winter Pride events. Ensure you know your vaccination options and seek guidance from health professionals.

FAQs

What is mpox and how is it transmitted?

Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close physical contact, including sexual activity, coughs, sneezes, or contact with infected materials. Vaccination is crucial for those at risk, particularly gay and bisexual men.

How effective is the mpox vaccine against clade Ib?

While the vaccine has not been specifically tested against clade Ib, it has proven effective against clade II, and health officials expect a level of protection against the new strain based on this evidence.

Where can I get the mpox vaccine in the UK?

The mpox vaccine is available through sexual health services across the UK. It is recommended to contact a local sexual health clinic to discuss eligibility and make an appointment.