For long, mpox was not on the news, until recently, when a new case of Clade Ib mpox was detected in East Sussex. The case has now been confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This is the 6th case confirmed in England, since it was first detected in October 2024. The individual who has been infected is currently under specialist care at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. The individual had returned from Uganda where the community transmission of Clade Ib, the same infected, is on the surge. Dr Meera Chand, the deputy director UKHSA said that the risk to the UK population remains low. "We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread," she added.Earlier CasesThe first case which was detected in October 2024 was in London, with the subsequent three cases affecting individuals who were all household contacts of the first patient. A fifth case was then detected in Leeds at the end of October. The sixth case has no links with any of the previously detected cases in England.What is mpox?Mpox is a viral infection similar to smallpox. Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pain, and a rash that turns into scabs before healing. It spreads through direct contact with the rash, or body fluids. For those with chronic conditions like diabetes, mpox can be especially serious.What are the symptoms?After an incubation period of 5 to 21 days of getting infected, the symptoms start with fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. A key feature is swollen lymph nodes, which appear before the rash. The rash typically begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body, including the hands and feet. The lesions go through stages—from flat spots (macules) to raised bumps (papules), fluid-filled blisters (vesicles), pus-filled spots (pustules), and finally scabs, which eventually fall off.Though the disease usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks and resolves on its own, severe cases can occur, particularly in children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Complications may include secondary infections, breathing problems, and, in rare cases, death.What can be done to prevent it?Vaccination: Smallpox vaccines can protect against mpox, but availability may be limited. However, vaccines are in the making. The WHO has also asked vaccine manufacturers to fast-track the process of submission and approval of the vaccine.Hygiene: Regular handwashing, avoiding contact with infected materials, and keeping distance from those infected can help reduce transmission.Routine Monitoring: Regular check-ups for managing diabetes and other conditions are essential to catch any complications from mpox early. In case you notice the signs, get a check up done. RT-PCR kits are also readily available to detect mpox.Can It Be Cured?Majority of the treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms. Care includes managing skin damage that are caused by the rash, drinking enough liquid and pain management.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that therapeutics for mpox treatment Tecovirimat, also known TOPXX is a novel antiviral that was made available for treatment for patients who were infected during the global outbreak in 2022.It was originally developed to treat smallpox, but animal studies suggest that it can also help treat mpox. Study of Tecovirimat for Mpox (STOMP) conducted the clinical trial of the treatment.Brincidofovir and Vaccine Immune Globulin (VIGIV) are additional therapeutics that are also considered for treating patients, mentions CDC. Brincidofovir was also used for treating smallpox, however it is also effective against orthopoxviruses in in vitro (test-tube) and in animal studies. For patients with eye infections, trifluridine ophthalmic solution can also be considered.