New Mpox Strain Detected: WHO Urges Continued Monitoring
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the identification of a new recombinant mpox virus strain, with cases detected in the United Kingdom and India. This development underscores the importance of ongoing genomic surveillance to track the evolving nature of the virus, though the overall global public health risk assessment remains unchanged.
What is the New Mpox Strain?
The newly identified strain is a recombinant virus, meaning it contains genetic material from two different clades (branches) of the mpox virus: clade Ib and clade IIb WHO. Recombination is a natural process where two related viruses exchange genetic material when infecting the same individual, resulting in a new viral variant.
Confirmed Cases and Travel History
As of February 19, 2026, two cases of this recombinant strain have been confirmed: one in the United Kingdom and one in India UN News. The individual in the United Kingdom was detected in December 2025 and had recently traveled to a country in South-East Asia NDTV. The case in India was identified in September 2025 and the patient had a travel history to a country in the Arabian Peninsula WHO. Detailed analysis suggests both individuals contracted the same recombinant strain several weeks apart, indicating the potential for further undetected cases.
Symptoms and Severity
Both confirmed cases presented with clinical symptoms similar to those observed in other mpox clades. Importantly, neither patient experienced severe illness WHO. Contact tracing has been completed in both countries, and no secondary cases have been identified.
Mpox Transmission and Symptoms
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). It spreads through close physical contact, including sexual contact, and through contaminated materials or respiratory droplets UN News. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rash or skin lesions
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Weakness
The rash may appear on the face, mouth, torso, hands, feet, and genital/anal regions, progressing through stages of lesions, blisters, and scabs.
Public Health Risk Assessment
The WHO currently assesses the overall public health risk as moderate for men who have sex with men with new or multiple partners, and for sex workers or others with multiple casual sexual partners. The risk remains low for the general population without specific risk factors WHO.
Ongoing Monitoring and Prevention
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is closely monitoring the situation in the United Kingdom and implementing public health actions in line with the UK mpox control strategy WHO. The WHO emphasizes the necessitate for continued genomic surveillance and recommends special attention to suspected cases, particularly among individuals with recent international travel history.
Prevention measures include avoiding close contact with suspected or confirmed cases, practicing frequent hand hygiene, and disinfecting contaminated surfaces. A vaccine against mpox exists, but its availability remains limited due to production complexities UN News.