The Foreign Office has issued an urgent health warning after three British travelers were diagnosed with meningococcal disease upon their return to the UK. The warning noted that 14 cases of the invasive infection have been reported among travelers to Saudi Arabia, including three cases in the UK, five in the US, four in France, and one each in Norway and the Netherlands. 

According to Travel Health Pro, a website supported by the Foreign Office, those diagnosed had recently returned from the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. The disease, caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, can lead to meningitis, which is the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. 

Meningococcal disease progresses rapidly and can be fatal, with a mortality rate of up to 15 percent. It is most common in infants under one year old, teenagers, young adults aged 16 to 23, and individuals aged 65 and older. Read more here. 

WHO and Scientists Advocate Immediate Action on Highly Dangerous Mpox Strain 

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the urgent need to address the mpox outbreak in Africa, particularly a dangerous strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As of June 26, 2024, South Africa reported 16 confirmed cases of mpox, including three deaths, marking the first fatalities from the disease in the country since August 2022. Previously, South Africa had only reported five cases and no deaths between June and August 2022. Read more here. 

In the DRC's South Kivu province, a mutated clade I strain of mpox has been identified, with fatality rates of approximately 5% in adults and 10% in children. This year, the DRC has recorded about 8,600 mpox cases and 410 deaths. 

Mpox is a viral infection transmitted through close contact, causing flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While most cases are mild, the virus can be fatal. A less severe clade IIb strain spread globally in 2022, primarily through sexual contact among men who have sex with men, prompting a WHO public health emergency declaration. Despite the end of the emergency, recent deaths in South Africa underscore the ongoing health threat. 

Challenges in combating the outbreak in the DRC include stigma, limited availability of vaccines and treatments, and the need for vaccine approval. Efforts are underway to address these challenges, including collaboration with vaccine manufacturers and urging expedited approval processes and data provision from countries. Read more here. 

Have a look at our full range of Mpox products here and at the paper APOBEC3 deaminase editing in mpox virus as evidence for sustained human transmission since at least 2016. 

I grew up in the town of High Wycombe in the UK and later moved to the picturesque city of Canterbury in Kent to pursue an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science. During my final year, I worked on a research project that investigated the phosphorylation of amino acids in yeast cells. This hands-on laboratory experience ignited my passion for research. 

After graduating, I began my career in a COVID-19 lighthouse laboratory, where I processed COVID-19 sample swabs as part of the QPCR team. Seeking a change from high-throughput processing, I transitioned to a role as a Production Technician at The Native Antigen Company LGC in Kidlington. It was here that my interest in protein purification took root. Currently, I work as a Junior Research Scientist in the Downstream Processing Development team, where I test and develop techniques to purify a variety of antigens and antibodies for our customers. I find immense satisfaction in research, as it constantly challenges me and allows me to expand my skill set. 

In my free time, I enjoy long walks, studying for my diploma in Islamic education, volunteering at my local mosque, and partaking in extreme sports activities such as skydiving.