Scientists have detected a ‘new strain’ of a serious virus in England. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said people contracting the illness could be hit by a ‘serious’ infection.
The UKHSA has identified a new recombinant mpox virus in England in an individual who had recently travelled to Asia. Officials said genomic sequencing showed that the mpox genome contained elements of clade Ib and IIb mpox.
The UKHSA said this is not unexpected as both clades are circulating, but highlights the continued potential for mpox virus to evolve and the importance of continued genomic surveillance and added that it is continuing to assess the significance of the strain.
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.
“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.”
The UK has a routine mpox vaccination programme in place for eligible groups, including those who have multiple sexual partners, participate in group sex, or visit sex-on-premises venues. Studies show the vaccine is around 75% to 80% effective in protecting against mpox.
UKHSA has shared its findings with relevant international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to support global monitoring efforts.
Dr Michael Brady, national advisor for LGBT Health at NHS England, and consultant in Sexual Health and HIV at Kings College Hospital in London previously said: ““Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a rare infection most commonly found in parts of central and east Africa. Mpox can be passed on from person to person through any close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs.
“Once infected with mpox, it usually takes between five and 21 days for the first symptoms to appear.”
“The first symptoms of mpox include a high temperature, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen glands, shivering, exhaustion and joint pain,” says Brady. “A rash usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms and can be on any part of the body.”
Mpox can develop into more serious conditions, particularly in certain immunocompromised individuals because they are more likely to experience severe symptoms and complications.
“While most cases of mpox are mild, individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant people, or those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for severe complications,” says Dr Bruno Silvester Lopes, lecturer in microbiology at Teesside University, and researcher in pathogen spread and molecular epidemiology. “Potential complications include secondary infections, where bacterial infections can occur in lesions or blisters due to scratching or improper care.
“And, in rare cases, the infection can lead to systemic complications like sepsis.”
Symptoms
If you get infected with mpox, it usually takes between five and 21 days for the first symptoms to appear, the NHS says.
The first symptoms of mpox include:
A high temperature (fever)A headacheMuscle achesBackacheSwollen glandsShivering (chills)ExhaustionJoint pain
A rash usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms. It can be on any part of the body, including the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, mouth, genitals and anus. You may also have anal pain or bleeding from your bottom.
The rash is sometimes confused with chickenpox. It starts as raised spots, which turn into sores (ulcers) or small blisters filled with fluid. The blisters eventually form scabs which later fall off.
