Health officials have identified a new variant of mpox in England after a person who recently travelled to Asia was tested for the virus.

Genome sequencing showed that the virus was a “recombinant” form containing elements of two types of mpox currently in circulation: the more severe clade 1, and the less virulent clade 2, which sparked the 2022 global mpox outbreak.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)) said on Monday it was continuing to “assess the significance of the strain”. While most mpox infections are mild, officials urged people who are eligible to get vaccinated to protect themselves.

“It’s normal for viruses to evolve, and further analysis will help us understand more about how mpox is changing,” said Dr Katy Sinka, the head of sexually transmitted infections at UKHSA.

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