Scientists have discovered a new recombinant mpox virus strain in a UK traveller from Asia, which experts say is 'precisely what they feared' as the virus continues to evolve The virus usually manifests as a spotty rash (Image: Marina Demidiuk via Getty Images)

A new strain of the mpox virus, described as 'precisely what experts in the field feared would happen', has been identified in the UK, according to scientists.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported the discovery to the World Health Organisation (WHO), after detecting the 'hybrid' strain of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, in an individual who had recently returned from Asia, Manchester Evening News reports.

This particular strain, which is new to the UK, was confirmed through testing to be 'recombinant'

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