The UK has recorded its fifth case of infection with a new strain of monkeypox, according to a statement from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published on the government’s website.
A new case of monkeypox has been confirmed in England. This is the fifth case of this strain recorded in recent weeks, the statement said. The latest case was identified in Leeds and involves a man who recently returned from Uganda. UKHSA clarified that there is no connection between this case and the previous four, which were all within the same household and have since fully recovered.
According to the agency, the risk to the general population remains low. However, authorities anticipate the possibility of isolated imported cases.
In late August, UKHSA announced preparations for the potential emergence and spread of the new monkeypox strain in the country.
Previously, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the monkeypox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern.
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that can be particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, intoxication, swollen lymph nodes and skin rashes. In mild cases, the disease typically resolves on its own within 14–21 days.
