London researchers have launched a study to better understand how the body reacts to the mpox, originally known as ‘monkeypox’, virus.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust will invite people to take part in the LIMIT study, which involves a simple questionnaire and a series of postal antibody tests.
Over 12 months, researchers will compare antibody levels after mpox vaccination, mpox infection or both to see what antibody reaction each produces and how long they last for.
London was the epicentre of the initial mpox outbreak in May last year, with by far the highest tally of infections in the UK.
The virus causes symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.
Mpox is not normally a sexually-transmitted infection, but it can be passed on by direct contact during sex.
It can also be spread through touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the mpox rash, and through the coughs and sneezes of somebody with the infection.
Cases have fallen sharply in the past six months as a result of vaccination and testing.
More than 43,600 people in London had received at least one dose of the mpox vaccine as of April 27. The jab has been particularly targeted at gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, groups who have the highest risk of exposure to the virus.
Chelsea and Westminster will be supported by researchers from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Dr Claire Gordon, Consultant in Infection at UKHSA, said: “We’re now seeing very few new cases of mpox in the UK but their work continues.
“The knowledge gained from this study will help us reach our ultimate goal of eliminating mpox transmission in the UK as well as strengthening our work to prevent or limit any future outbreaks.
“We already know vaccination is key to reducing the severity of symptoms and preventing further transmission, so I would urge everyone eligible to come forward for both doses so they have maximum long lasting protection.”
The original outbreak of mpox raised alarm among health officials because the viral disease, which was first found in monkeys, mostly occurs in west and central Africa and only occasionally spreads elsewhere.
Though most people have a mild illness, with recovery within three weeks, some cases can cause severe illness and occasionally result in death.
People who are eligible but have not yet received 2 doses of the vaccine have been urged to come forward and book their first dose by June 16 and be booked in for their second dose by the end of July.
