MPOX UPDATE: 31 OCT 2024

The first identified case of Clade Ib of MPOX (monkeypox) in the UK has been announced by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). 

Clade Ib has, until now, been widely detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and a number of neighbouring countries, with single cases identified in Sweden, Germany and Thailand.

Clade Ib is different from MPOX Clade II. MPOX Clade II has been detected in thousands of people in the UK - mostly gay and bisexual men - since the spring of 2022.

Close contacts of this new single case of Clade Ib are being followed up, and the individual is being provided with care and support through the NHS.  The overall risk to the UK population remains low. 

Dr Will Nutland, Director at The Love Tank says: Since the announcement of the WHO Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August, we have been meeting with colleagues at UKHSA and across the UK health system to assist in MPOX planning. It's this planning that has helped to diagnose and support this individual and their contacts. Although Clade Ib risk levels remain low, The Love Tank continues to encourage gay and bisexual men, and those who have sex with them, to have MPOX vaccination where it is available. This is especially the case for gay and bisexual men in London or Manchester, and those having lots of sex.

MPOX vaccination is currently available to eligible people through NHS sexual health clinics.

For more information on MPOX visit queerhealth.info/mpox.