UK reports first case of new mpox variant – POLITICO

The U.K. has reported its first case of a new variant of mpox that has caused a deadly outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries, killing almost 1,000.

The risk to the U.K. population remains low, the country’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said. The case was detected in London, and the infected person had recently traveled to affected countries in Africa. UKHSA and its partners are following up with close contacts of the case and will offer testing and vaccination as needed.

“In accordance with established protocols, investigations are underway to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases,” said Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA.