The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed the first UK case of the new clade 1b mpox strain. UNISON is urging employers to engage with branches and reps to ensure guidance is being implemented.
On 30 October, the UKHSA announced that the first case the new clade 1b mpox strain had been detected. This new strain differs from the clade 2 mpox cases that were circulating at low levels in the UK since 2022. Clade 1b mpox has shown an increased capacity to spread more easily within communities.
Although the UKHSA has said the risk to the UK population remains low, it is crucial employers continue to uphold the latest public health guidance.
Employers must protect their staff and the public, by implementing the measures outlined in the NHS National infection prevention and control manuals (NIPCM) for each nation.
Anyone who comes into close contact with someone who has mpox could potentially get the virus. The clade 2 mpox strain is known to spread through close, skin-to-skin contact and when someone touches fabrics – such as clothing, bedding, or towels – that have been used by someone with the virus.
The new clade 1b stain is also believed to be able to be spread through close respiratory transmission and not restricted to close personal contact.
Therefore, appropriate precautions should be taken when in contact with someone showing symptoms of mpox. It is essential that sufficient workplace health and safety measures are upheld, employers engage with health and safety reps, and all frontline staff are equipped with the support, guidance and tools they need.
UNISON has produced an mpox guide for branches to support their discussions with employers to ensure that appropriate support, guidance, PPE provision and sick pay arrangements are put in place.
The first symptoms of mpox include:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen glands
- shivering (chills)
- exhaustion
- joint pain.
A rash usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms. The rash often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body.
The article UNISON urges employers to implement mpox guidance first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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