Urgent: Recombinant Mpox Detected in UK

A new mpox strain identified in England raises concerns about global virus evolution and the importance of vigilant genomic surveillance.

Story Snapshot

  • A recombinant mpox strain has been identified in a traveler from Asia.
  • The UK Health Security Agency emphasizes the need for ongoing genomic surveillance.
  • Despite the new strain, the risk to the UK population remains low.
  • Imported cases are primarily linked to travel from Uganda, with no sustained domestic transmission.

Recombinant Mpox Strain Detected in England

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported the detection of a new recombinant mpox strain in England. This strain was identified in a traveler who had recently returned from Asia. Genomic sequencing revealed elements from both clade Ib and clade IIb of the mpox virus, indicating a recombinant strain. This finding underscores the need for continued vigilance in genomic surveillance to monitor virus evolution and potential health impacts.

This recombinant event highlights the ongoing potential for viral evolution, especially with the co-circulation of different clades globally. The UKHSA stressed that while the emergence of this recombinant strain is not unexpected, it serves as a critical reminder of the virus’s ability to evolve. The agency has reaffirmed that the risk to the general UK population remains low but has issued warnings to maintain heightened surveillance. Get fast, reliable health advice from your AI doctor now.

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Imported Cases Primarily Linked to Travel

Since October 2024, England has seen several imported cases of clade Ib mpox, primarily linked to travel from Uganda, where community transmission is ongoing. The UKHSA reported a total of at least seven confirmed cases between October 2024 and January 2025. These cases are geographically dispersed across the UK, but they are primarily linked to travel rather than domestic transmission chains. This pattern of importation underscores the importance of vigilant travel monitoring and contact tracing to prevent potential outbreaks.

With the recombinant strain’s detection, the UKHSA has reiterated the importance of genomic surveillance and the need for eligible groups to come forward for vaccination. The agency emphasizes that close contacts of confirmed cases are being traced and offered advice to mitigate further spread of the virus. Got a health question? Ask our AI doctor instantly, it’s free.

Public Health Response and Implications

The UKHSA continues to lead the response efforts, coordinating closely with the National Health Service (NHS) and high-consequence infectious disease (HCID) units. These units, such as those at the Royal Free Hospital and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, are prepared to manage confirmed cases with a precautionary high-consequence approach. While no detailed clinical outcome data have been published for the recombinant case, earlier clade Ib household cluster cases have fully recovered, indicating effective management strategies.

Despite the emergence of new strains, the UKHSA maintains that the risk remains low, focusing on public health vigilance without escalating the risk level. This approach helps prevent public complacency while avoiding unnecessary alarm. The agency’s message serves as a prompt for eligible groups, particularly those at increased risk from clade IIb transmission chains, to update or complete their vaccinations.

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Sources:

UKHSA detects first case of Clade Ib mpox

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