New strain of virus detected in England is 'precisely what experts feared'
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Clade 1b mpox a global health emergency in 2024
Health experts are concerned there is no "decisive response to stop" the virus(Image: AP)
Scientists have discovered a new mpox virus strain they say is 'precisely what experts in the field feared would happen' has been confirmed in the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed it had alerted the World Health Organisation (WHO) after the 'hybrid' strain of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was spotted in a person who had recently travelled back to the UK from Asia, reports Manchester Evening News.
This precise strain of the virus, new to these shores, was proven through tests to be 'recombinant', meaning it contains genetic material from two different mpox clades that are currently spreading across the globe.
Mpox is a viral infection causing fever, headaches, muscle aches, and a distinctive rash with blisters, similar to smallpox, of the same viral family, and is spread through close contact with infected people, animals, or contaminated materials.
The virus usually manifests as a spotty rash(Image: Marina Demidiuk via Getty Images)
The infection is most commonly found in parts of central and east Africa, but a widespread outbreak in 2022 has seen cases spike worldwide.
Surveillance for the virus has increased since the spread of the clade Ib variant, which was declared a global health emergency by the WHO in August 2024.
Dr Boghuma Titanji, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia, claims that this new strain, found to contain elements of both clade I and clade II mpox, is "precisely what experts in the field feared would happen if the virus continued to spread globally without a decisive response to stop it".
Mpox is part of a family of viruses well known for their ability to 'recombine to generate new variants', Dr Titanji adds.
"The key concern now is whether events like this will alter the virus’s transmissibility or virulence," she continued. "There are also implications for how well existing testing platforms can identify these emerging recombinant strains.
"The more mpox circulation we permit, the more opportunities the virus has to recombine and adapt, further entrenching the mpox virus as a human pathogen that is not going away."
Studies claim the vaccine is around 75-80 per cent effective in protecting against mpox(Image: Getty Images)
The UKHSA said it is now evaluating the significance of this finding and whether the new strain could behave differently.
"Our genomic testing has enabled us to detect this new mpox strain. It’s normal for viruses to evolve, and further analysis will help us understand more about how mpox is changing," said Dr Katy Sinka, the Head of Sexually Transmitted Infections at UKHSA.
"Although mpox infection is mild for many, it can be severe. 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.
"It is important to remain alert to the risks from this unpleasant illness. Anyone who thinks they may have mpox should contact NHS 111 for advice on what to do."
Common symptoms of mpox include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions, which can last 2 to 4 weeks. It can also cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.
The UK has a routine mpox vaccination programme in place for eligible groups, including those who have multiple sexual partners, have group sex and visit sex-on-premises venues.
Studies have shown the vaccine is around 75-80 per cent effective in protecting against mpox, the UKHSA said.