New recombinant mpox strain detected in UK and India, WHO urges continued monitoring

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially confirmed the detection of a newly identified recombinant mpox virus. This strain, which contains genetic material from two distinct known clades, underscores the critical need for global health systems to maintain rigorous genomic surveillance. Despite this discovery, the UN health agency noted on Saturday that the overall global public health risk assessment remains unchanged.

Understanding the New Recombinant Strain

WHO confirmed that two cases of this specific recombinant strain—a combination of genomic elements from clade Ib and clade IIb of the monkeypox virus (MPXV)—have been identified so far. The cases were reported in the United Kingdom and India.

Key Findings:

Both patients had recent travel histories.

Neither individual experienced severe illness.

Contact tracing efforts have, thus far, detected no secondary cases.

Recombination occurs naturally when two related viruses infect the same host simultaneously and exchange genetic material. According to WHO analysis, the two individuals fell ill several weeks apart with the same recombinant strain, indicating that there may be additional undetected cases currently in circulation.

What is Mpox?

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. This genus also includes the virus responsible for smallpox.

Transmission and Symptoms:

Spread: Primarily through close physical contact, including sexual contact, and occasionally through respiratory droplets or contaminated materials.

Symptoms: Common signs include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and the development of a rash or painful lesions.

Details of the UK and India Cases

The UK case was detected in December 2025 in a traveler returning from the Asia Pacific region. While initial tests suggested a clade Ib infection, whole genome sequencing revealed the hybrid nature of the virus.

Indian health authorities reclassified a September 2025 case—initially thought to be clade II—as the same recombinant strain, making it the earliest known detection.

WHO emphasized that due to the limited data, conclusions regarding the transmissibility or clinical severity of this recombinant strain are premature.

Global Risk Assessment and Recommendations

WHO’s risk assessment remains moderate for high-risk groups (such as sex workers and men who have sex with men with multiple partners) and low for the general population.

A significant challenge noted by health officials is that standard clade differentiation PCR tests may not reliably identify recombinant strains. Consequently, genomic sequencing is the only definitive method for detection. WHO urges all nations to remain alert, continue epidemiological surveillance, and prioritize vaccination for at-risk groups. No travel or trade restrictions are recommended at this time.

Content Source: UN News

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