New virus strain detected in UK is ‘precisely what experts feared’ as vaccine plea issued
This virus “can be severe”, an expert from UKHSA said.
A new mpox strain has been found in the UK (Image: Getty)
The new strain of a virus which can be “severe” has been detected in England, UK health officials said. The strain is a mix of two major types of the mpox virus, and was discovered in an individual who recently returned from travelling in Asia.
Health officials are still assessing the significance of the new strain, but one doctor claimed it the discovery marks “precisely what experts in the field feared would happen”. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has been updated on the finding after tests showed the virus is a “recombinant” strain, which means it contains genetic material from two different mpox clades already circulating around the world.
Dr Boghuma Titanji, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University, claimed the new strain found, which contains elements of both clade Ib and clade IIb mpox, is “precisely what experts in the field feared would happen if the virus continued to spread globally without a decisive response to stop it”.
Mpox is part of a family of viruses well known for their ability to “recombine to generate new variants”, according to Dr Titanji, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
She added: “The key concern now is whether events like this will alter the virus’s transmissibility or virulence. There are also implications for how well existing testing platforms can identify these emerging recombinant strains.
“The more mpox circulation we permit, the more opportunities the virus has to recombine and adapt, further entrenching mpox virus as a human pathogen that is not going away.”
The UKHSA said it is now assessing the significance of this finding and whether the new strain could behave differently.
Dr Katy Sinka, Head of Sexually Transmitted Infections at UKHSA, said: “Our genomic testing has enabled us to detect this new mpox strain. It’s normal for viruses to evolve, and further analysis will help us understand more about how mpox is changing.”
The expert went on to urge people eligible for it to get vaccinated. She said: “Although mpox infection is mild for many, it can be severe. Getting vaccinated is a proven effective way to protect yourself against severe disease, so please make sure to get the jab if you are eligible. It is important to remain alert to the risks from this unpleasant illness. Anyone who thinks they may have mpox should contact NHS 111 for advice on what to do.”
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by a virus that belongs to the same family as smallpox.
Some groups are eligible for a mpox vaccine in the UK (Image: Getty)
Among the most common symptoms are lesions or a skin rash, which can last between two to four weeks, fever, headaches, back pain, muscle aches and tiredness.
It spreads among humans via close physical contact, coughs or sneezes, as well as touching infected clothing, bedding or towels.
People who believe they may have contracted mpox are urged to get in touch with the NHS 111 number for advice.
In the UK, vaccines are available for people considered at highest risk of catching mpox, including those who have multiple sexual partners, have group sex and visit sex-on-premises venues.
