These new infections have been traced to household contacts of the initial case, emphasising the virus’s potential for rapid spread in close-contact environments.

Both patients are currently receiving specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London, according to a late Monday night release obtained from the UKHSA website on Tuesday.

Despite these developments, health officials are maintaining that the overall risk to the general UK population remains low.

Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, Prof. Susan Hopkins, addressed the situation, stating, “Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact, and so it is not unexpected to see further cases within the same household. The overall risk to the UK population remains low.”

The agency has confirmed that comprehensive measures are in place, with all close contacts of the known cases being traced and monitored.

“We are working with partners to make sure all contacts of the cases are identified and contacted to reduce the risk of further spread,” added Hopkins.

Contacts are being offered testing, and vaccinations, and advised on necessary care should symptoms develop.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting praised the healthcare response, remarking, “I am extremely grateful to the healthcare professionals who are carrying out incredible work to support and care for the patients affected. The overall risk to the UK population currently remains low, and the government is working alongside UKHSA and the NHS to protect the public and prevent transmission.”

Streeting assured that the UK government is securing additional vaccines and equipping healthcare providers with the tools and guidance needed to respond effectively.

Meanwhile, NHS national director for vaccination and screening, Steve Russell, reiterated the preparedness of health services: “The NHS is fully prepared to respond to the first confirmed case of this clade of mpox. Since mpox first became present in England, local services have pulled out all the stops to vaccinate those eligible, with tens of thousands in priority groups having already come forward to get protected. If required, the NHS has plans in place to expand the roll-out of vaccines quickly in line with supply.”

This comes after the initial detection of Clade Ib mpox in the UK on 30 October 2024, marking the first instance of this strain in the country.

The first patient, who had recently travelled to African countries experiencing outbreaks, is being treated at the Royal Free Hospital High Consequence Infectious Diseases unit.

“It is thanks to our surveillance that we have been able to detect this virus,” noted Hopkins.

“This is the first time we have detected this clade of mpox in the UK, though other cases have been confirmed abroad. We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread.”

Clade Ib mpox has been reported in multiple countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and beyond.

UKHSA’s technical briefings and cooperation with global health partners are part of an ongoing strategy to monitor and contain the outbreak.

As the public awaits further updates, health authorities urge vigilance. “While the risk of catching mpox in the UK remains low, it’s crucial to stay informed and seek medical guidance if symptoms, such as a rash or fever, appear,” emphasised Russell.

According to the statement, the UKHSA’s proactive response continues as they publish technical updates and assess containment strategies to ensure the nation’s safety amidst this evolving situation.

This funding is part of the WHO’s new global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan aimed at halting human-to-human transmission of Mpox through coordinated international, regional, and national efforts.

The plan, which was announced following the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, will span from September 2024 to February 2025.

It includes substantial financial support for response activities by the WHO, member states, partners, and organizations such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

The comprehensive strategy builds on existing WHO recommendations and focuses on enhancing surveillance, prevention, readiness, and response measures.

Key components include advancing research, ensuring equitable access to diagnostics and vaccines, reducing animal-to-human transmission, and involving communities in outbreak management.

Strategic vaccination will target high-risk groups, including recent case contacts and healthcare workers, to break transmission chains.

Globally, the plan emphasizes strong leadership, evidence-based guidance, and access to medical countermeasures for the most vulnerable populations in affected regions.

The WHO is collaborating with various international, regional, and local partners to improve coordination in preparedness and response efforts, including engagement with groups like the ACT-Accelerator Principals and the R&D Blueprint for Epidemics.

The change of name is following a series of consultations with global experts and both names will be used simultaneously for one year while “monkeypox” is phased out, according to the WHO.

According to a press statement issued on Monday, the UN agency said when the outbreak of monkeypox expanded earlier this year, racist and stigmatising language online, in other settings, and in some communities was observed and reported to the WHO, The PUNCH reports.

The statement read in part, “In several meetings, public and private, a number of individuals and countries raised concerns and asked the WHO to propose a way forward to change the name.

“Assigning names to new and, very exceptionally, to existing diseases is the responsibility of the WHO under the International Classification of Diseases and the WHO Family of International Health Related Classifications through a consultative process which includes WHO Member States.

“The WHO, in accordance with the ICD update process, held consultations to gather views from a range of experts, as well as countries and the general public, who were invited to submit suggestions for new names.”