Mpox: What is it? What are the symptoms? How is it spread?

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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?

Transcript

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?

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