The Welsh Government has provided an update on preparations for the possible arrival of the viral illness mpox in Wales. The UK Government has procured over 150,000 doses of the mpox vaccine in anticipation of any outbreak in the country. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by the monkeypox virus and presents symptoms such as skin rash, mucosal lesions, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Two clades of mpox, clade I and clade II, have been identified, with clade I historically reported in African countries like Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Recently, cases of clade Ib mpox have emerged in neighbouring countries like Burundi and Uganda. The UK has not reported any clade I cases to date but remains vigilant due to the rising cases in Africa.
Health Minister Jeremy Miles assured that the NHS and public health agencies have robust systems to detect and manage novel infectious diseases. Collaborative efforts with Public Health Wales (PHW) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are being made to identify potential cases and provide guidance to passengers arriving from affected regions. The government is prepared to procure additional vaccines as needed.
Preparedness activities in Wales include briefing NHS professionals on mpox case definitions, testing processes, and isolation protocols. Public health messaging is being developed to ensure clear communication with the public. A vaccination programme established during the 2022 mpox outbreak is still active, with plans to incorporate new vaccination recommendations.
Efforts to swiftly identify and treat any potential cases of mpox clade I across the UK are a priority. Collaborative work between governments and health authorities will aim to contain the spread and safeguard public health. The statement underscores the importance of coordinated response measures to minimise risks and ensure safety for all individuals.