Mpox virus latest: Cargo ship quarantined due to crew member suffering ‘skin lesions’ as UK preps vaccines

Argentina has quarantined a cargo ship over the first suspected case of mpox on the vessel, as an outbreak of a new fast-spreading variant triggered a global public health alert .

The Liberian-flagged ship raised the alert after one of its crew members of Indian nationality showed “ cyst-like skin lesions predominantly on the chest and face”, the health ministry said.

The UK is preparing for potential cases of the new strain of mpox after Europe recorded its first case of the more deadly variant last week in Sweden.

Health officials said plans are under way to tackle a possible outbreak in the country ensuring healthcare workers are aware of the symptoms and that rapid tests are available.

But European health authorities have ruled out imposing border controls as the risk of a global virus outbreak is still considered “low”.

A public health emergency was declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) over a new outbreak of mpox in several African nations , with at least three cases now reported outside of the continent .

Formerly known as monkeypox, the infection has been on the rise in the Democratic Republic of Congo , which accounts for 96 per cent of all cases in Africa.