Elements of two major types of mpox have been found combined – Dr Boghuma Titanji, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University, said the development was ‘precisely what experts feared’
Health officials have had their fears confirmed after a new strain of a virus which “can be severe” was found in the UK for the first time.
Two major types of the mpox virus were found to have combined, and were discovered in a person who has recently returned to the UK from a trip to Asia. A doctor claimed that the discovery represents “precisely what experts in the field feared would happen”.
News of the “recombinant” strain, which contains genetic material from two different mpox clades, has been passed to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The new strain is believed to be already spreading around the world. Dr Boghuma Titanji, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University, said the discovery of the the new strain, 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”, Manchester Evening News reports.
Dr Titanji said: “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 is currently looking at the significance of this finding to determine whether the new strain could behave differently, the agency said. 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 virus, previously known as monkeypox, belongs to the same family as smallpox and causes lesions or a skin rash in patients as well as fever, headaches, back pain, muscle aches and tiredness.
It is spread through physical contact, coughs and sneezes as well as touching infected clothing, bedding or towels. Vaccines are available in the UK for people considered at highest risk of catching the virus, including those who have multiple sexual partners, have group sex and visit sex-on-premises venues.
People who believe they may have contracted mpox are urged to get in touch with the NHS 111 number for advice.
