Contents
-
news
-
Health
MPox: First case of clade 1b variant detected in UK; Will this lead to a winter pandemic?
With the announcement of the first case in Britain, there has been speculation about a possible outbreak of the pandemic during the winter season. Here’s everything you need to know.
MPox: First case of clade 1b variant detected in UK; Will this lead to a winter pandemic? (Image: Canva)
First confirmed case of clade Ib mpox Public health officials announced that it had been detected in the United Kingdom. According to the UK Health Protection Agency (UKHSA), the case was identified in a man in London who had recently traveled to several countries in Africa. For those unaware, Clade IB is a new variant of the MPox virus that is causing concern.
In August, the UKHSA updated its advice to raise awareness of the variant among doctors. This happened after the World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency. The variant has been spreading widely in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in recent months and cases have been reported in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Sweden, India and Germany.
With the announcement of the first case in Britain, there has been speculation about a possible outbreak of the pandemic during the winter season.
Mpox is spread by close and direct contact with an infected person. This includes skin-to-skin contact, wounds, or bodily fluids of someone with mumps. It can also spread through respiratory droplets. Infection can also occur from animal to human if a person is bitten or handled by an infected animal. But the real question is, could winter trigger an Mpox epidemic?
Although winter may not directly trigger mumps epidemics, the risk of outbreaks may increase during this season. Cold weather requires people to stay indoors – often in poorly ventilated spaces. Low humidity and weakened immunity during the winter months can also contribute to the spread of respiratory viruses.
How can you stay safe from mpox?
Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself from mumps. Some other methods include.
- Avoid contact with infected animals.
- Cook thoroughly all foods that contain meat or parts of animals.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid contact with people who may be infected with the virus.
- Practice safe sex, including using condoms and dental dams.
- Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when you are around others.
- Properly clean all frequently touched surfaces.
Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.
