Health and Me

Ishita Roy

New Mpox Strain Detected In England; It Is A Mix Of Clade Ib and Clade IIb, More Details Inside

A new strain of mpox or what was previous known as monkeypox has been detected in a person in England, confirmed the UK health officials. This strain is a mix of the two major type of mpox virus that was found in someone who had recently returned from travelling in Asia. 

The officials have said that they are still assessing the significance of the new strain. As per the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), it is normal for viruses to evolve. The best shield of protection is to get vaccinated against such disease, even if the infector remain mild for most. 

<h2>What Is The New Virus Strain Of Mpox?</h2>

The new virus strain contains elements from two mpox strain, which are clade Ib and clade IIb. The strain as of now has no name. 

UK officials have also recently encouraged gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men to get vaccinated against mpox. This call has come as the strain clade Ib showed early signs of local spread in some of the European countries. Whereas, the clade IIB is linked to a global outbreak of mpox in 2022 that affected countries across the globe. 

In the UK, the vaccination is available for the most vulnerable group at the risk of catching mpox:

<ul><li>those who have multiple sexual partners</li><li>those who engage in group sex</li><li>those who visit sex-on-premises venues</li></ul>

Health officials report that the mpox vaccine offers about 75 to 80 percent protection. Although there are no specific studies yet on how well the vaccine works against the newest strain, experts believe it should still provide a strong level of defense.

Dr. Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), told BBC that genomic testing made it possible to identify this strain. She explained that viruses naturally evolve and that ongoing analysis will help scientists understand how mpox is changing. Dr. Sinka encouraged eligible individuals to get vaccinated, calling it a proven way to prevent severe illness.

<h2>Global Readiness and Gaps in Access</h2>

Prof. Trudie Lang, director of the Global Health Network at the University of Oxford, told the BBC that the UK has strong systems to detect cases and stop further spread. However, she noted that this is much more difficult in other regions, particularly in vulnerable populations where vaccine access is limited.

According to Prof. Lang, if more cases of this strain begin to appear in the UK or internationally, researchers will need to closely track how the virus spreads and how sick it makes people. Understanding these patterns will help determine whether the new strain poses more or less risk than previous ones.

<h2>Rising Global Cases and Concerns</h2>

Nearly 48,000 mpox cases have been confirmed worldwide in 2025, including about 2,500 in the past month. Most infections have been reported in central Africa.

Dr. Boghuma Titanji, assistant professor of medicine at Emory University, said the emergence of a new strain is what experts expected as the virus continued to circulate globally. She warned that allowing ongoing transmission gives mpox more chances to adapt and embed itself as a long-term human pathogen.

Mpox is a viral illness that can cause significant discomfort. Common symptoms include lesions or a rash lasting two to four weeks. People may also experience fever, headaches, back pain, muscle aches and fatigue.

The virus spreads through close physical contact, respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes and shared items such as bedding, towels or clothing.

Health officials advise anyone who suspects they may have mpox to contact NHS 111 for guidance on next steps.

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A new strain of mpox or what was previous known as monkeypox has been detected in a person in England, confirmed the UK health officials. This strain is a mix of the two major type of mpox virus that was found in someone who had recently returned from travelling in Asia. The officials have said that they are still assessing the significance of the new strain. As per the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), it is normal for viruses to evolve. The best shield of protection is to get vaccinated against such disease, even if the infector remain mild for most. What Is The New Virus Strain Of Mpox?The new virus strain contains elements from two mpox strain, which are clade Ib and clade IIb. The strain as of now has no name. UK officials have also recently encouraged gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men to get vaccinated against mpox. This call has come as the strain clade Ib showed early signs of local spread in some of the European countries. Whereas, the clade IIB is linked to a global outbreak of mpox in 2022 that affected countries across the globe. Vaccines Available For Who?In the UK, the vaccination is available for the most vulnerable group at the risk of catching mpox:those who have multiple sexual partnersthose who engage in group sexthose who visit sex-on-premises venuesHealth officials report that the mpox vaccine offers about 75 to 80 percent protection. Although there are no specific studies yet on how well the vaccine works against the newest strain, experts believe it should still provide a strong level of defense.Dr. Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), told BBC that genomic testing made it possible to identify this strain. She explained that viruses naturally evolve and that ongoing analysis will help scientists understand how mpox is changing. Dr. Sinka encouraged eligible individuals to get vaccinated, calling it a proven way to prevent severe illness.Global Readiness and Gaps in AccessProf. Trudie Lang, director of the Global Health Network at the University of Oxford, told the BBC that the UK has strong systems to detect cases and stop further spread. However, she noted that this is much more difficult in other regions, particularly in vulnerable populations where vaccine access is limited.According to Prof. Lang, if more cases of this strain begin to appear in the UK or internationally, researchers will need to closely track how the virus spreads and how sick it makes people. Understanding these patterns will help determine whether the new strain poses more or less risk than previous ones.Rising Global Cases and ConcernsNearly 48,000 mpox cases have been confirmed worldwide in 2025, including about 2,500 in the past month. Most infections have been reported in central Africa.Dr. Boghuma Titanji, assistant professor of medicine at Emory University, said the emergence of a new strain is what experts expected as the virus continued to circulate globally. She warned that allowing ongoing transmission gives mpox more chances to adapt and embed itself as a long-term human pathogen.What Is Mpox?Mpox is a viral illness that can cause significant discomfort. Common symptoms include lesions or a rash lasting two to four weeks. People may also experience fever, headaches, back pain, muscle aches and fatigue.The virus spreads through close physical contact, respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes and shared items such as bedding, towels or clothing.Health officials advise anyone who suspects they may have mpox to contact NHS 111 for guidance on next steps.