Health officials in England have identified a newly evolved mpox strain in a person who recently returned from Asia. Genome testing showed the virus is a recombinant form, combining features of two circulating mpox types:
• Clade 1 – historically linked to more severe illness
• Clade 2 – responsible for the 2022 global outbreak, usually milder
The UK Health Security Agency says the discovery is not unexpected, as both clades are still spreading in different parts of the world. Experts are now analysing whether this new variant spreads more easily or causes more serious disease.
Mpox is related to smallpox and spreads through close physical contact, contaminated materials like bedding, or respiratory droplets. Symptoms often include fever, headache, exhaustion and a rash that develops into painful blisters.
Officials have urged those at higher risk — including people with multiple sexual partners — to get vaccinated, stressing that prevention remains the best protection while scientists assess the significance of the new strain.
Global monitoring continues, with nearly 48,000 confirmed cases reported worldwide this year. Researchers say understanding how the virus is changing will be key to preventing future outbreaks.
