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UK health authorities have identified a new strain of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in an individual in England. This variant is a combination of two prominent types of the mpox virus and was detected in someone who recently traveled to Asia. Officials are currently evaluating the implications of this discovery.
The newly found virus strain carries genetic components of two mpox clades, designated as clade Ib and clade IIb, though it has not yet been given a specific name. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) emphasizes that viral evolution is a normal process. They continue to advocate for vaccination as the most effective method to prevent serious illness from mpox, even though many infected people experience mild symptoms.
Clade IIb has been linked to a global mpox outbreak in 2022, spreading across multiple countries, while clade Ib has recently shown signs of localized transmission in some parts of Europe. In the UK, vaccines are offered mainly to those at higher risk of infection, including individuals with multiple sexual partners, those participating in group sex, and visitors to sex-on-premises venues. Current vaccines are estimated to be 75-80% effective against mpox, although no specific studies have yet been done on their effectiveness against this new strain. Nevertheless, a high level of protection is anticipated.
Experts like Dr Katy Sinka of UKHSA highlight that genomic testing enabled early detection of this strain and stress the importance of vaccination, stating, “It’s normal for viruses to evolve, and further analysis will help us understand more about how mpox is changing. Getting vaccinated is a proven effective way to protect yourself against severe disease, so please make sure to get the jab if you are eligible.” Meanwhile, Professor Trudie Lang from the University of Oxford notes that while the UK has strong systems for identifying and managing cases, such controls are more difficult in vulnerable populations globally where vaccine access is limited. She points out the necessity of closely monitoring new cases to understand transmission patterns and severity compared to previous strains. Globally, nearly 48,000 confirmed mpox cases have been recorded in 2025, with most recent infections concentrated in central Africa.
Dr Boghuma Titanji, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University, warns that ongoing circulation of mpox increases the chance of the virus recombining and adapting, potentially making it a persistent human pathogen. She explains, “The more mpox circulation we permit, the more opportunities the virus has to recombine and adapt, further entrenching mpox virus as a human pathogen that is not going away.”
Mpox infection can cause uncomfortable symptoms, typically featuring skin lesions or rashes lasting two to four weeks, alongside fever, headaches, back pain, muscle aches, and tiredness. The virus spreads through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contact with contaminated items like bedding or clothing. Health officials advise anyone suspecting they have mpox to seek guidance by contacting NHS 111 for further instructions
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