Health officials in the United Kingdom identified a new "recombinant" strain of mpox, previously known as monkeypox. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the strain was detected in a person who had recently travelled to Asia.

Dr Katy Sinka, Head of Sexually Transmitted Infections at UKHSA, said it's normal for viruses to "evolve" and further research would help in understanding more about how mpox is changing. The health agency also asked eligible groups to come forward for the vaccination.

The genome sequencing of the virus revealed that it was a "recombinant" form containing elements of two types of mpox currently in circulation - clade 1 and clade 2, linked to the 2022 global mpox outbreak, which affected many countries globally.

Although the experts have not sounded an alarm yet, the new strain is a hybrid of two mpox virus types, making it a unique and potentially concerning development.

Mpox is a viral infection related to smallpox, causing fever, body aches and distinct skin lesions. The virus can be transmitted through close physical contact, including sexual contact, and can be deadly in some cases.

Source:Ndtv