Recent findings reveal a new version of the mpox virus, formed by combining genetic material from two distinct known strains, has been identified in the United Kingdom and India. Health organizations emphasize continued vigilance, while stating the overall global health risk remains unchanged.
The emergence of this novel recombinant mpox strain, a mix of clades Ib and IIb, has prompted an update from the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization confirmed two instances of this recombinant virus to date: one in the UK and another in India. Importantly, no further infections were found in individuals who had contact with these initial cases, suggesting a contained spread at this stage.
Details of the Discovery
Origin: The initial detection of the recombinant strain occurred in a person in England who had recently traveled from Asia.
Genetic Makeup: This new strain is a hybrid, containing genetic segments from both the clade Ib and clade IIb types of the mpox virus (MPXV).
Confirmation: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) identified the strain in England. The WHO has since confirmed the presence of the same recombinant strain in India, with the virus reclassified based on global genomic data.
Cases: Two cases of the recombinant strain have been identified so far, one in the UK and one in India.
Contact Tracing: No secondary cases were identified following contact tracing efforts for these two individuals.
Official Response and Recommendations
The WHO has stated that while the global public health risk assessment for mpox remains unchanged, continued genomic surveillance is essential. This involves closely monitoring the genetic makeup of the virus to detect any significant changes. The UKHSA has also affirmed its readiness to manage mpox cases, with established protocols for contact tracing, vaccination, and clinical care. Healthcare professionals are advised to remain alert for timely detection and response to potential cases.
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The detection of a recombinant mpox strain, formed by elements of clades Ib and IIb, in the UK and India highlights the dynamic nature of viral evolution. Despite the identification of this novel form, health authorities maintain that the overall global risk assessment for mpox has not been altered, emphasizing the importance of ongoing genomic monitoring and preparedness.
Understanding the Recombinant Strain
The identified recombinant mpox virus represents a combination of genetic material from two previously recognized types, clade Ib and clade IIb.
Clade Ib: This clade has been a subject of specific monitoring by health agencies, with established protocols for managing its cases.
Clade IIb: This is another known type of mpox virus.
Recombination: The process of recombination occurs when two different viruses infect the same cell and exchange genetic material, creating a new hybrid virus. Analysis of the recombinant genome showed distinct regions derived from each of the parent clades.
Public Health Actions and Advice
Health officials are urging eligible individuals to consider vaccination. For those who suspect they may have symptoms of mpox, such as fever, body aches, or characteristic skin lesions, they are advised to contact the NHS 111 service in the UK for guidance.
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Preparedness: UKHSA and NHS services are prepared for mpox cases, with existing procedures for contact tracing, vaccination, and patient management.
Awareness: Healthcare professionals are encouraged to maintain a high level of awareness to ensure prompt identification and response to new cases.
Vaccination: Experts are advising groups considered eligible to come forward for vaccination.
Global Health Assessment
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published detailed updates regarding the situation.
Risk Level: The overall global public health risk assessment for mpox remains unchanged.
Surveillance: The WHO stresses the continued need for genomic surveillance to monitor viral evolution and spread.
Case Management: National responses are in place, focusing on monitoring, tracing contacts, and providing appropriate medical care.
Expert Analysis
Dr. Pippa Goldsmith, a virologist specializing in emerging infectious diseases, commented on the development:
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"The identification of a recombinant mpox virus is a significant event in viral epidemiology. While it’s reassuring that no secondary spread has been observed from the initial cases, it underscores the importance of robust genomic sequencing programs. These programs are our eyes and ears, allowing us to detect and understand new viral variants as they emerge. The WHO's continued emphasis on surveillance is entirely appropriate."
The careful tracking of this new strain, combining data from multiple sources, suggests a coordinated international effort to understand and manage potential health risks.
Conclusion
The detection of a recombinant mpox strain in both the UK and India marks a new development in the ongoing mpox situation. This hybrid virus, formed from elements of clades Ib and IIb, has been identified in two separate individuals, neither of whom led to further detected transmissions. Health authorities, including the WHO and UKHSA, are emphasizing the need for continued genomic surveillance to monitor the virus's evolution. Despite this new variant, the global health risk associated with mpox is currently assessed as unchanged. Public health agencies remain prepared to manage potential cases, and eligible individuals are encouraged to consider vaccination.
Sources
The European Sting: https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/02/1166966 (Published 1 day ago) - Provides a summary of the WHO's statement on the new recombinant strain and the need for continued monitoring.
World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON595 (Published 1 day ago) - Official WHO report detailing the global situation and risk assessment for mpox, including references to relevant risk assessments.
BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2087g0z9po (Published Dec 8, 2025) - Reports on the identification of the new mpox strain in England, its hybrid nature, and official advice.
Virological.org: https://virological.org/t/inter-clade-recombinant-mpox-virus-detected-in-england-in-a-traveller-recently-returned-from-asia/1015 (Published Dec 7, 2025) - A technical analysis detailing the recombination analysis of the mpox virus detected in England.
EMJ Reviews: https://www.emjreviews.com/microbiology-infectious-diseases/news/recombinant-mpox-virus-detected-in-england/ (Published Dec 14, 2025) - Covers the UKHSA's identification of the new recombinant mpox virus in England and preparedness measures.
NDTV: https://www.ndtv.com/feature/all-about-new-mpox-strain-identified-in-uk-as-experts-ask-those-eligible-to-get-vaccinated-9775566 (Published Dec 9, 2025) - Explains the new mpox strain identified in the UK, its hybrid nature, and expert recommendations for vaccination.
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