A new form of mpox has been identified in England after a recently returned traveller from Asia tested positive for the virus. Genome sequencing revealed the infection to be a recombinant variant, containing genetic material from two circulating strains — the more severe clade 1 and the milder clade 2, which triggered the 2022 global outbreak.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the finding was not unexpected, as both strains are still present worldwide, but added that the new variant is under close investigation. Officials stressed that while most infections remain mild, people in higher-risk groups are encouraged to get vaccinated as a precaution.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads through close physical contact, contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing, or via respiratory droplets. It can also be transmitted through infected animals including rodents. Symptoms often begin with fever, headaches and fatigue before a rash develops, sometimes taking up to three weeks to appear.
The emergence of a recombinant strain highlights the virus’s ability to evolve. Health authorities and scientists say continued monitoring is essential to understand whether the new variant spreads differently or causes more severe illness. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 48,000 mpox cases and over 200 deaths have been recorded globally in 2025 so far.
England continues to offer mpox vaccines to eligible groups, including people with multiple sexual partners or those who visit sex-on-premises venues. Experts say more data is needed to determine the full significance of the newly identified strain.
