UK health chiefs say they are planning in case a new type of the ampox virus is detected in the country – but stressed the risk remains low.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday declared that the outbreak spreading in western and central Africa is a global health emergency.

Ampox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a contagious virus that can cause painful lesions on the skin.

Plans are being put in place to ensure UK health workers are aware of the key symptoms and have access to rapid tests.

a case of Mpox It has also been detected in SwedenThe incident occurred after a person became infected while living in an area of ​​Africa where the disease is spreading.

One of the main reasons for the World Health Organization to call for global action against ampox is the emergence of a new variant of the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), known as clade 1b.

This type of ampox has been detected in increasing numbers in African countries over the past year and there is concern that it can sometimes cause severe illness and death.

Ampox has killed at least 450 people in the DRC.

Currently, there are no cases of Clade 1 ampox in the UK, but experts say cases could spread if action is not taken internationally.

Dr Meera Chand, deputy director of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “The risk to the UK population is currently considered low. However, preparations are being made for any cases that may arrive in the UK.

“This includes ensuring that clinicians are aware of and able to promptly identify cases, that rapid testing is available, and that protocols are developed to safely care for people with the infection, and to prevent further transmission.”

The disease – formally known as monkeypox – can be spread through close contact with an infected person, or through contaminated bedding and surfaces.

Common symptoms often include skin rashes or pus-filled lesions, which can last two to four weeks, fever, headache, and muscle aches.

Symptoms often clear up within two weeks, but it can be fatal, especially for people with weakened immune systems.

Children and pregnant women may also be at higher risk.

In 2022, the WHO declared a separate outbreak of clade 2 ampox a public health emergency of international concern.

It was lifted in May 2023 after cases decreased.

It has spread to nearly 100 countries where the virus does not usually spread, including some in Europe and Asia.

A major outbreak occurred in the UK in May 2022, affecting mainly men who have sex with men.

Vaccination campaigns helped stop its spread.

UKHSA figures show that by the end of 2022 there had been 3,732 confirmed and highly probable cases in the UK.

About 239 cases have been reported till July this year.

Of these, 225 were in England, 98 patients were thought to have contracted the virus in the UK and 74 outside the country. Testing is ongoing.