UK health officials have urged those at risk to get vaccinated against mpox as a particular strain of the virus continues to spread across parts of Europe. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a small number of locally acquired cases of a strain known as clade Ib in the USA, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal, all of which have no travel links to regions with known outbreaks. This indicates that community transmission of the disease is now taking place globally.Most of the newly reported infections in Europe and the USA have been identified among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, a group where transmission of this specific strain has not previously been observed.New Strain Of Mpox Spreading In UKAccording to a recent UKHSA update, as of October 20, 2025, a total of 16 clade Ib mpox cases have been detected in the UK, all of them in England. So far, there is no evidence of sustained transmission within the community of men who have sex with men. Nearly all cases have been linked to international travel to regions where community spread has been recorded, except for one case in which the source of exposure remains uncertain.What Is ‘Clade Ib’ Mpox?Clade Ib is a newer variant of the mpox virus (MPXV) that first emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023. Since then, it has spread to other parts of Africa and beyond. The variant belongs to clade I, which is considered more severe, but clade Ib is thought to be more easily passed from person to person, particularly through sexual or close physical contact. Infections caused by this strain have been linked to more intense symptoms and a higher fatality rate, especially among children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.Common Symptoms Of The Mpox Virus Spreading In The UKAccording to the World Health Organization, the first signs of mpox often include:High feverHeadacheMuscle and back painSwollen lymph nodesChillsFatigueJoint painA rash typically appears within one to five days after the onset of these symptoms. It may show up on various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, mouth, genitals, and anus. Symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks, but the infection can spread to others while these signs are present.As noted by health agencies, most of the recent cases in Europe and the United States have been reported in the gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men population, a group that had not previously seen transmission of this particular strain.Urgent Need For Mpox VaccinationThe UKHSA has renewed its call for eligible individuals to come forward for mpox vaccination. The agency has also confirmed limited local transmission of clade Ib cases in the USA, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal, noting that this reflects a broader pattern of community spread worldwide.In its statement, the UKHSA explained that most of the recently confirmed cases in Europe and the USA have occurred in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, a group in which transmission of clade Ib mpox had not been observed before.The spread of this variant beyond endemic regions such as parts of Africa has prompted heightened global surveillance. In August 2024, the World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency. Research suggests the existing vaccine offers about 75 to 80 percent protection against clade II mpox. Although specific data on its effectiveness against clade Ib are not yet available, experts believe it will still provide protection. A large number of people in eligible groups across the UK have already received their vaccination.
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