Health officials in England have identified a newly evolved mpox variant after a recent traveller from Asia tested positive for the virus. Sequencing revealed the infection is a recombinant strain, combining elements of the more severe clade 1 type with clade 2, the strain responsible for the 2022 global outbreak.
The UK Health Security Agency says further analysis is underway to assess the significance of the variant. Experts say viral evolution is expected, especially while multiple variants continue to circulate. Though most mpox cases are mild, authorities urge eligible individuals to take up vaccination.
Mpox, formerly monkeypox, spreads through close physical contact, contaminated materials like bedding or towels, and respiratory droplets. It can also be transmitted from infected animals. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, muscle pain and exhaustion, followed by a distinctive rash.
The emergence of a recombinant strain highlights the need for continued monitoring. Global figures this year show nearly 48,000 confirmed cases and 201 deaths across 94 countries.
Officials stress that understanding transmission, severity and clinical presentation will be key if additional cases appear. The UK maintains a vaccination programme for higher-risk groups, including people with multiple sexual partners or those who attend sex-on-premises venues.
