New strain of virus detected in England is ‘precisely what experts feared’

The UK Health Security Agency Identifies New Mpox Virus Strain

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported the identification of a new strain of the mpox virus, previously known as monkeypox. The ‘hybrid’ strain was found in an individual who had recently traveled to Asia. This recombinant strain contains genetic material from two different mpox clades, prompting UKHSA officials to notify the World Health Organization (WHO).

Mpox is primarily found in central and east Africa, but a global outbreak in 2022 resulted in increased cases worldwide. Following the rise of the clade Ib variant, the WHO declared Mpox a global health emergency in August 2024. Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an assistant professor at Emory University, indicated that the emergence of this new strain was foreseeable without a strong response to control the virus’s spread.

Dr. Titanji emphasized concerns regarding the potential impact of the new strain on the virus’s transmissibility and virulence. She noted the need to assess how well existing testing platforms can identify such recombinant strains. The UKHSA is currently evaluating the significance of this finding and the behavior of the new strain.

The UK has implemented a routine vaccination program for vulnerable populations, including those with multiple sexual partners. Studies indicate that the vaccine offers 75-80% effectiveness against mpox.