UKHSA is aware of small numbers of locally-acquired cases of clade Ib mpox in the USA, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal which have no connection to countries with known clade Ib mpox transmission, suggesting there is now community transmission of clade Ib mpox globally.
Most of the new cases identified in Europe and the USA have been in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, a population in which clade Ib mpox transmission has not previously been observed. Mpox is usually a mild infection, and clade Ia and Ib mpox are no longer classified as a high-consequence infectious disease (HCID). However, it can be severe in some cases.
The UK has a routine mpox vaccination programme in place for eligible groups - to check eligibility or to book an appointment, visit Mpox vaccine - NHS.
There is information on symptoms at: How high is the risk of catching mpox and how can I protect myself? – UK Health Security Agency.
Further information: Latest update on Clade Ib mpox - GOV.UK and Mpox: affected countries - GOV.UK.
