Arrival of deadlier 'clade I' mpox in Europe shows need for better testing and treatment: expert

Aug. 23, 2024 - PRLog -- The arrival of the first case of the more deadly 'clade Ib' strain of mpox in Europe signals the need for improved testing and treatment, says a leading testing expert.

Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, says: 'The first case of the deadlier clade Ib strain of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in Sweden shows that Europe is not entirely protected. According to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC), some outbreaks have killed up to 10% of the people who got sick.

'PCR tests of rash fluids or crust are the preferred laboratory test, says the UK's Health Security Agency (UKHSA). However, by the time these rashes present it may be too late to prevent infection spread. It currently takes around 5 to 21 days after infection for the first symptoms to appear and a further 5 days after the first symptoms for the rash to appear.

'In Europe, treatment for most people with mpox has been aimed at relieving the symptoms of the less severe clade II cases. The concern is that there is no specific treatment approved for mpox and drugs developed for smallpox are often used in an emergency.

'Improved awareness is also vital, as the symptoms of mpox can be easily confused with other conditions, including chickenpox, herpes simplex, measles, secondary syphilis, enterovirus and various bacterial skin infections.

'For anyone concerned, the first symptoms of mpox include:

• high temperature
• headache
• muscle aches
• backache
• swollen glands
• shivering (chills)
• exhaustion
• joint pain

'A rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body. If people have come into contact with someone who has been in central Africa recently and they are experiencing any of these symptoms, they should contact their GP.

'In most other cases, these symptoms are likely to have been caused by another condition. For people with concerns, London Medical Laboratory's sexual health tests (https://www.londonmedicallaboratory.com/search/?term=sexu...) can be taken at home through the post, or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer these tests in over 120 selected pharmacies and health stores. For full details, see: https://www.londonmedicallaboratory.com/search/?term=sexual+health