This variant is thought to be more transmissible than the clade II strain that triggered an outbreak in the UK in 2022.
Health experts have issued a warning over cases of an infectious disease in the UK(Image: Getty)
Health experts have called on people to “take extra precautions” as additional cases of an infectious disease have been identified in the UK. Recent data reveals there have been 16 confirmed cases of a particular strain of mpox in England.
In a statement, Travel Health Pro said: “As of 11 September 2025, a total of 16 clade Ib mpox cases have been reported in the UK, all in England. Most of these cases had either direct or indirect links to travel to countries where mpox clade Ib is circulating.”
This variant is thought to be more transmissible than the clade II strain that triggered an outbreak in the UK in 2022. Mpox can spread from person to person through close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs.
Following infection with mpox, symptoms usually appear between five and 21 days later. Early indicators of mpox may include a high fever, severe headaches, muscle aches and backache, alongside swollen glands, chills, complete exhaustion and joint pain.
Between one to five days after onset, a rash may develop anywhere on the body. The World Health Organisation (WHO) cautions that very young children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, particularly people with poorly controlled HIV, face greater risk of serious complications from mpox which could prove fatal.
Most people, however, make a full recovery within four weeks. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed that all 16 cases identified in Britain were located in England.
The agency stated: “Most of these cases have reported direct or indirect links to travel to countries where mpox clade Ib is circulating.” Numerous African countries have been battling an outbreak of clade Ib mpox cases throughout 2024.
Meanwhile, imported cases have appeared in various nations, including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden, and the United States. The NHS advises contacting 111 if you experience any mpox symptoms and have visited central or eastern Africa within the last three weeks, particularly if you had close contact with someone displaying mpox symptoms.
The health organisation emphasised that whilst the condition is “rare”, there are measures you can take to minimise your risk of contracting it and transmitting it to others. These include:
Get vaccinated if you’re offered the mpox vaccineWash your hands with soap and water regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiserLook out for any possible symptoms of mpox for three weeks after returning from central or east AfricaTalk to sexual partners about their sexual health and any symptoms they may haveBe aware of the symptoms of mpox if you’re sexually active, especially if you have new sexual partnersTake a break from sex and intimate contact if you have symptoms of mpox until you’re seen by a doctor and are told you cannot pass it onDo not share bedding or towels with people who may have mpoxDo not have close contact (within one metre) with people who may have mpoxDo not go near wild or stray animals, including animals that appear unwell or are dead, while travelling in central or east AfricaDo not eat or touch meat from wild animals while travelling in central or east Africa
Between 2023 and 2025 the UKHSA confirmed there have been a total of 589 cases of mpox clade IIb reported in the UK. The UKHSA said: “Despite continuing and regular imports of mpox clade IIb, it is likely case numbers during 2023 to 2025 remain substantially lower than that seen in 2022 as a result of high levels of vaccine protection suppressing transmission.”
