Summary
A new strain of the mpox virus, previously known as monkeypox, has been identified in England in a person who recently traveled to Asia. This strain combines elements of two existing strains and is being analyzed by UK health officials. Vaccination remains the primary method of protection against severe symptoms of the virus.
Key Facts
- A new mpox strain was found in England in someone who had traveled to Asia.
- The strain combines two existing types, called clade Ib and clade IIb.
- Clade IIb was linked to a global mpox outbreak in 2022.
- Health officials urge eligible individuals, especially certain groups of men, to get vaccinated.
- The vaccine is believed to be 75-80% effective at preventing mpox.
- No specific studies have confirmed vaccine effectiveness against this new strain yet.
- Nearly 48,000 mpox cases have been confirmed globally in 2025, including 2,500 in the past month.
- Mpox is a viral illness that causes a rash, fever, and aches, spreading through close contact.
