Health officials in England have identified a newly evolved variant of mpox after testing a person who had recently travelled to Asia. Genome sequencing revealed that the virus is a recombinant strain containing elements of both clade 1, known to cause more severe illness, and clade 2, the type responsible for the global outbreak in 2022.
Although most mpox cases are mild, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is assessing the significance of this new strain. Experts say the emergence is not unexpected, as both clades continue to circulate, increasing the chance of viral recombination. Officials are urging people eligible for vaccination — especially those with multiple sexual partners or who visit sex-on-premises venues — to protect themselves.
Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, spreads through close physical contact, contaminated materials like bedding and clothing, or respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, and a rash that appears a few days after initial signs. Infected individuals may not show symptoms for up to three weeks.
The World Health Organization recorded almost 48,000 confirmed mpox cases worldwide this year, including 201 deaths. While the UK has vaccination programmes in place for high-risk groups, experts say ongoing genomic surveillance is essential to monitor how the virus evolves and whether this new variant poses increased risk.
Scientists stress that more information is needed to understand transmission and severity, but the discovery serves as a reminder that mpox continues to evolve — and vigilance remains necessary.
