The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed a report that has put health experts on high alert. A brand-new strain of the Mpox virus has emerged. Notably, this is not an ordinary variant; it is a "recombinant" virus formed by the merging of genetic material from two older strains.
Cases of this new virus have been detected in India and the UK. In response, the WHO has advised strict global surveillance. Here is a detailed look at how this virus formed and what it means for public health.
Where Were The New Cases Found?
According to the WHO report, two cases of this new strain have been identified:
United Kingdom: The first case was found in the UK in an individual who had recently traveled to a country in Southeast Asia.
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India: The second case was reported in India, involving a patient who had traveled to a country in the Arabian Peninsula.
Remarkably, while these patients fell ill at different times, they were both infected by the exact same new recombinant virus. Both cases exhibited symptoms similar to those seen in standard Mpox infections.
How Dangerous Is New Strain?
The encouraging news is that the illness was not severe in either patient. Contact tracing in both countries has been completed, and no further transmission was detected. However, the WHO noted that the discovery of two cases suggests there may be more undetected infections currently circulating.
Identifying The Virus
UK Case: Detected in December 2025. It was initially thought to be 'Clade Ib,' but detailed testing revealed genetic components of both 'Clade Ib' and 'Clade IIb.'
India Case: The patient developed symptoms in September 2025. Originally classified as 'Clade II,' a database update later confirmed it was the same hybrid strain found in the UK.
Significantly, the Indian case is now recognised as the first known occurrence of this new strain.
Understanding Mpox
Mpox, formerly known as "monkeypox," is a viral infection characterized by smallpox-like rashes and flu-like symptoms. The virus typically spreads through close person-to-person contact and occasionally via contaminated objects or surfaces.
Main Types of Mpox:
Clade I: Prevalent in Central Africa; tends to cause more severe illness.
Clade II: Found in West Africa. The global outbreak since 2022 belongs to this category, which is generally less fatal than Clade I.
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Symptoms To Watch
While symptoms can vary, the most common signs include:
- Skin rashes, blisters, or ulcers
- Fever and chills
- Headache and muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
Some individuals may experience only a rash, while others might suffer from flu-like symptoms before the rash appears. In some instances, no rash occurs at all. The WHO has advised that while it is too early to draw final conclusions due to the low number of cases, maintaining vigilance is essential.
Who Is At Risk?
According to the UN health agency, while a new strain has emerged, the overall global risk level remains unchanged:
Moderate Risk: Men who have multiple or new sexual partners and sex workers remain in the moderate-risk category.
Low Risk: The risk level for the general public is currently categorised as low.