Small numbers of cases linked to a different strain (clade Ib) have been reported in the US and several European countries.<\/p>\n
While mpox is usually mild, it can be more serious for some people. Officials are therefore urging eligible groups to get vaccinated, as studies show the jab offers effective protection against severe illness.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what we know so far.<\/p>\n
What is mpox and what are the symptoms?<\/strong><\/p>\n Mpox is a viral infection<\/a> that spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, bodily fluids or contaminated items.<\/p>\n Mpox is usually mild, but for some people \u2014 particularly those who are not vaccinated \u2014 the illness can be more severe.<\/p>\n Typical symptoms include:<\/p>\n A skin rash<\/strong> or pus-filled lesions<\/strong> lasting 2\u20134 weeks<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n The incubation period \u2014 the time between exposure and the onset of symptoms \u2014 is typically five to 21 days.<\/p>\n Anyone who thinks they may have mpox should contact NHS 111<\/strong> for advice.<\/p>\n A patient infected with mpox in Kamituga, South Kivu province, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2024. (Getty Images)<\/p>\n How do you catch mpox?<\/p>\n Mpox doesn\u2019t spread easily between people, but it can pass on through close contact with someone who is infected.<\/p>\n According to the NHS<\/a>, it can spread through:<\/p>\n Direct contact with the rash, lesions or scabs \u2014 including during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling or any skin-to-skin contact<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Bodily fluids, such as saliva, nasal mucus or semen\/vaginal fluids<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Contact with contaminated items, including clothing, bedding, towels or surfaces used by someone with mpox<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n In parts of central and east Africa, mpox can also be caught from infected animals.<\/p>\n Why are health officials talking about mpox now?<\/strong><\/p>\n A new mpox strain has been detected in England, described by officials as a recombinant virus \u2014 meaning it contains genetic material from more than one mpox lineage.<\/p>\n Tests revealed elements of strains called clade Ib <\/strong>and clade IIb<\/strong>, both of which are currently circulating, according to the UKHSA.<\/p>\n The UKHSA emphasises that a virus of this kind evolving is not unusual, but says continued tracking remains important, given how mpox is spreading and shifting.<\/p>\n According to<\/a> Dr Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at UKHSA, Is this strain circulating in the UK?<\/strong><\/p>\n As detailed in the UKHSA\u2019s latest update, the recombinant strain has been identified in one individual who has recently travelled to Asia.<\/p>\n However, back in October, clade Ib mpox showed signs of community transmission<\/a>, with locally acquired cases identified in the USA, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal \u2014 none of which were linked to travel in previously affected countries.<\/p>\n Health officials say vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent severe mpox in eligible groups. (Getty Images)<\/p>\n Is there an mpox vaccine?<\/strong><\/p>\n The UK has a routine vaccination programme<\/a> targeting groups at higher risk of exposure.<\/p>\n Those eligible include people who:<\/p>\n have multiple sexual partners<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n visit sex-on-premises venues<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
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\u201cOur genomic testing has enabled us to detect this new mpox strain. It\u2019s normal for viruses to evolve, and further analysis will help us understand more about how mpox is changing.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Vaccination](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/78f93610-075b-11ed-9bff-5e7b31ae80e6.jpeg\"\/)
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