A new strain of mpox has spread beyond Africa, infecting thousands in Central Africa since its emergence in 2023. The UK and several European countries have reported cases, with most linked to travel. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the African outbreak a global public health emergency in August 2024.
There are two main subtypes of the mpox virus: Clade II, which caused the 2022 global outbreak, and Clade I, believed to cause more severe illness and death. A subset of Clade Ib, identified in September 2023, has spread widely across Central Africa and is now detected in European countries.
Mpox spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, causing symptoms like rash, fever, chills, and respiratory issues. The new strain appears to spread more easily and affects children more severely.
European cases have been reported in five countries: the UK, Germany, Belgium, France, and Sweden. In the UK, most cases are travel-related, but one recent case was linked to no recent travel or contact with others. Germany, Belgium, and France have also seen infections among family members after close contact.
The WHO’s global public health emergency declaration remains in place, despite low risk to the general public. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has reported vaccination efforts across England in preparation for potential cases of Clade Ib.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/04/08/mpox-in-europe-where-has-the-more-dangerous-clade-1-strain-been-detected