Mpox: Horrific lesser known symptom of Clade 1b strain that's on the rise

A health expert has warned of another horrifying and lesser-known symptom of - as cases of a more lethal strain rose once again in the UK on Wednesday.

The Clade 1b strain of Mpox, known to be more dangerous than its predecessors, has now been , confirmed just last week in - bringing the total number of confirmed UK cases to four.

As continue to grow, one doctor revealed a lesser-known symptom of the disease which can trigger a host of uncomfortable health issues on its own. Dr Bruno Silvester Lopes, a lecturer in microbiology at , said those who get Mpox will usually see a blistering rash appear one to five days after other symptoms develop.

He said: "The rash progresses through four stages: flat spots, raised spots, fluid-filled blisters, and then scabbing or crusting as it heals."

But he also warned the public to look out for proctitis - a symptom that has been reported in 14 to 32.9% of cases - and has risen in prominence since the 2022 global outbreak, The Sun reports. Proctitis refers to inflammation of the rectum - the tube that lies bwteeen the colon and anus, allowing stools to pass out of the body.

Proctitis can bring about a number of horrific symptoms of its own, including rectal pain, diarrhoea, constipation and difficult or painful bowel movements. Those with proctitis may also notice blood or mucus in their stools, a constant feeling of needing to use the toilet and swelling or fullness in the rectum.

While symptoms like these are hard to miss, Dr Lopes warned many other mpox signs could be easily missed. He said: "People often miss the mild, flu-like symptoms, which include fatigue and muscle aches. A mild fever can resemble common viral infections, which leads to a delayed recognition. If they’re not painful, then swollen lymph nodes, such as enlarged glands in the neck, armpits, or groin, often go unnoticed.

"A small or isolated rash, particularly if it appears in less visible areas like the genital region, may be mistaken for another skin condition. Rectal inflammation may be confused with other gastrointestinal issues. These symptoms, especially if they occur without the classic mpox rash, can lead to delayed diagnosis and an increased chance of spread."