Mpox virus spreading rapidly: New variant detected
It has been announced that a new variant of the mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, has been detected in the UK.
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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced that a new recombinant mpox virus has been detected in an individual in the country who had recently traveled to Asia.
The statement indicated that the genetic sequence of the newly detected mpox variant contains genetic characteristics belonging to both the Clade Ib and Clade IIb strains.
Noting that this was an expected development given that both Clades are in circulation, the statement emphasized that the mpox virus continues to have the potential to evolve and highlighted the importance of genomic surveillance.
In the statement, Dr. Katy Sinka, Head of Sexually Transmitted Infections at UKHSA, said: “Thanks to our genomic testing, we were able to detect this new mpox strain. It is normal for viruses to evolve, and further analysis will help us better understand how mpox is changing. While mpox is mild for most people, it can be severe. Getting vaccinated is a proven and effective way to protect yourself against the disease, so if you are eligible, remember to get vaccinated.”