Health officials have reported two additional cases of a newly detected mpox strain in the UK. But what exactly is Mpox? And should we be concerned about its spread here?
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00:00Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is an uncommon infection typically found in parts of Central
00:07and East Africa, but health officials say the risk of contracting it in the UK remains
00:11low.
00:12Now, a total of three cases of a newly detected mpox strain have been reported in London.
00:17Mpox can spread through close physical contact with an infected person's blisters or scabs.
00:21This includes intimate physical contact such as kissing or holding hands, and contact with
00:25contaminated clothing, bedding or towels.
00:28Infected droplets from coughs and sneezes also pose a risk if the infected person is
00:32nearby.
00:33Those who contract mpox typically develop symptoms within 5 to 21 days.
00:36The initial signs often resemble those of a viral illness and include fever, headaches,
00:41muscle pain, swollen glands, chills, fatigue and joint pain.
00:44Within days, a distinctive rash usually appears, which can spread across the body, including
00:48areas like the palms, feet and genitals.
00:51Often mistaken for chickenpox, the rash evolves from raised spots to fluid-filled blisters
00:55that eventually crust over and fall off.
00:57Following the news, just how concerned are you about mpox turning into a bigger problem
01:01in the UK?