2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the United Kingdom

Overview of the mpox outbreak in the UK

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the United Kingdom was part of a global outbreak of mpox, a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The outbreak in the UK was notable for its rapid spread and the public health response it prompted.

Background

Map showing the spread of mpox in the UK

Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is similar to smallpox, though generally less severe. Mpox was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, cases outside of Africa were rare and typically linked to travel or imported animals.

Outbreak timeline

The first case of the 2022 outbreak in the UK was confirmed in May 2022. The initial cases were linked to travel from Nigeria, where the disease is endemic. However, subsequent cases were not linked to travel, indicating community transmission.

May 2022

In early May, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the first case of mpox in a person who had recently traveled to Nigeria. By mid-May, additional cases were identified, some of which had no travel history, suggesting local transmission.

June 2022

By June, the number of cases had increased significantly, prompting the UKHSA to issue guidance on identifying and managing cases. The agency also began offering vaccines to close contacts of confirmed cases and healthcare workers at risk.

July 2022

In July, the UK government expanded its vaccination program to include men who have sex with men, who were identified as a higher-risk group due to the pattern of transmission observed.

2023

The outbreak continued into 2023, with periodic updates from health authorities. By mid-2023, the number of new cases had decreased significantly, attributed to the public health measures and vaccination efforts.

Clinical features

Stages of monkeypox lesion development

Mpox typically presents with a prodrome of fever, headache, muscle aches, and lymphadenopathy, followed by a characteristic rash. The rash progresses through several stages, including macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs. The lesions are often painful and can occur on the face, extremities, and genitals.

Public health response

The UKHSA led the public health response, which included case identification, contact tracing, and isolation of confirmed cases. Vaccination was a key component of the response, with the smallpox vaccine being used due to its cross-protection against mpox.

Impact

The outbreak had significant public health implications, highlighting the need for global surveillance of zoonotic diseases. It also underscored the importance of vaccination and public health preparedness in managing emerging infectious diseases.

Related pages

• Mpox
• Monkeypox virus
• Zoonotic disease
• Vaccination