England Confirms New Recombinant Mpox Variant After Traveler Infection
England Detects Newly Evolved Recombinant Mpox Variant After Traveler’s Infection
Health officials in England have identified a newly evolved recombinant mpox variant after a person who recently returned from Asia tested positive. Genome sequencing confirmed that the virus combines genetic elements of clade 1, known for causing more severe illness, and clade 2, the less virulent strain responsible for the 2022 global outbreak.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it is continuing to assess the significance of the new strain. While most mpox cases remain mild, officials encouraged eligible individuals—particularly those with higher exposure risk—to get vaccinated.
Dr. Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at UKHSA, noted that virus evolution is expected: “Further analysis will help us understand more about how mpox is changing.”
Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, spreads through close physical contact, contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing, or respiratory droplets. Symptoms typically appear within three weeks and include fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, followed by a characteristic rash.
The emergence of the recombinant variant is “not unexpected,” UKHSA added, emphasizing the continued need for genomic surveillance as both clades circulate globally.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recorded nearly 48,000 confirmed mpox cases and 201 deaths across 94 countries in 2025 (as of the end of October). Although WHO ended its public health emergency for the 2024 outbreak in September, experts warn that monitoring new strains remains critical.
Professor Trudie Lang of the University of Oxford stressed that understanding transmission, symptoms, and severity will be essential if additional cases of the recombinant variant appear.England Detects Newly Evolved Recombinant Mpox Variant After Traveler’s Infection
Health officials in England have identified a newly evolved recombinant mpox variant after a person who recently returned from Asia tested positive. Genome sequencing confirmed that the virus combines genetic elements of clade 1, known for causing more severe illness, and clade 2, the less virulent strain responsible for the 2022 global outbreak.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it is continuing to assess the significance of the new strain. While most mpox cases remain mild, officials encouraged eligible individuals—particularly those with higher exposure risk—to get vaccinated.
Dr. Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at UKHSA, noted that virus evolution is expected: “Further analysis will help us understand more about how mpox is changing.”
Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, spreads through close physical contact, contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing, or respiratory droplets. Symptoms typically appear within three weeks and include fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, followed by a characteristic rash.
The emergence of the recombinant variant is “not unexpected,” UKHSA added, emphasizing the continued need for genomic surveillance as both clades circulate globally.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recorded nearly 48,000 confirmed mpox cases and 201 deaths across 94 countries in 2025 (as of the end of October). Although WHO ended its public health emergency for the 2024 outbreak in September, experts warn that monitoring new strains remains critical.
Professor Trudie Lang of the University of Oxford stressed that understanding transmission, symptoms, and severity will be essential if additional cases of the recombinant variant appear.
