UK health system braces as mpox designated global emergency
New guidance has been issued to nurses in the UK on mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, after the virus was designated a global health emergency.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday (15 August) stated that a surge in cases of mpox in parts of Africa constituted a public health emergency of international concern.
“Planning is underway to prepare for any cases that we might see in the UK”
Meera Chand
It comes amid the emergence of a new ‘clade 1’ variant of mpox which is believed to be more severe. The first clade 1 case has recently been reported in Europe, from Sweden.
After an initial outbreak in Europe in 2022, which involved the clade 2 variant and threatened to overwhelm sexual health services in the UK, cases of mpox began to decline.
However, at the end of 2023, they started to rise again in the continent and mpox has remained in low but steady circulation since then.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) welcomed WHO’s designation of a public health emergency, but deputy director Dr Meera Chand said the risk to the UK population was currently low.
“However, planning is underway to prepare for any cases that we might see in the UK,” said Dr Chand.
“This includes ensuring that clinicians are aware and able to recognise cases promptly, that rapid testing is available, and that protocols are developed for the safe clinical care of people who have the infection and the prevention of onward transmission.”
Mpox
Mpox is an infection which causes, among other symptoms, a skin rash similar to chickenpox.
Other symptoms include a high temperature, body aches, swollen glands, exhaustion and joint pain with the skin rash often progressing into blisters which scab and fall off.
In most cases, mpox runs its course in a few weeks – but it can be fatal, particularly for those with weak immune systems.
It is transmitted through close physical contact with an infected individual, such as sex; touching skin, clothing, bedding or towels; and through droplets found in coughs or sneezes.
In some parts of the world, mostly western and central Africa, mpox can also be transmitted through contact with rodents.
A vaccination against the virus which cases mpox is available from the NHS for those who are “most likely” to be exposed, such as nurses and other healthcare workers.
Also after the WHO announcement, UKHSA updated its guidance for nurses and other healthcare workers on mpox to warn them of the new clade 1 variant, which is yet to reach the UK.
Given the potential for transmission through sexual contact between people, sexual health organisations have began circulating further guidance to professionals within the specialty.
A joint statement by the British HIV Association (BHIVA) and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) read: “We recognise that there are communities we serve, particularly those disproportionately affected by clade 2 mpox in the UK, who may be particularly concerned.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with our partners to communicate and respond to any developments.”
Pressure has also begun to be exerted on employers to ensure they are keeping staff safe.
Public service worker union Unison, which represents nursing staff and other hospital workers, asked its members to speak with employers to make sure measures from the 2022 outbreak remain in place.
Donna Rowe-Merriman, Unison’s national secretary for business, community and environment, added: “Employers are urged to take action now to ensure all appropriate measures are in place to protect staff and the public across a wide range of sectors to prevent any future cases from spreading.”
