New Mpox Variants: Current Risks, Symptoms & Global Hotspots

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes Mpox as a viral disease caused by a poxvirus in the genus Orthopoxvirus. The disease spreads primarily through close physical contact — including contact with skin or mucosal lesions, contaminated materials (like bedding or clothing), or exposure to body fluids.

Symptoms usually begin within 1–3 days (sometimes up to 21 days) after exposure. The early phase often resembles flu — fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes. After 1–3 days, a rash appears, progressing from raised bumps to fluid-filled blisters, then crusting/scabbing. The rash may occur on the face, palms/soles, genitals, or other parts of the body.

In most cases Mpox resolves on its own in 2–4 weeks. However, serious complications — especially in children, pregnant people, immunocompromised individuals — remain a concern.

Recent Developments: New Variants & Global Spread

Evolving Variants — Clade Ib & Continued Circulation

Mpox is not caused by a single unchanging virus — there are several clades (genetic lineages) circulating globally. According to WHO, the main clades currently in circulation are Clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and Clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb).

In 2024–2025, a resurgence driven by clade Ib has been observed, especially in central and eastern Africa. This variant has spread to neighbouring countries and, in some cases, regions previously unaffected.

The resurgence prompted WHO to declare a renewed public-health emergency of international concern in mid-2024 — a decision based on increased case numbers and spread to new areas.

🌍 Where Is Mpox Spreading Now?

As of late 2025, Mpox continues circulating — particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. According to recent WHO data: 19 countries in Africa have reported active transmission over the previous six weeks.

Outside Africa, countries reporting community transmission of clade Ib now include Italy, Portugal, Spain, Malaysia, the Netherlands, England and the United States.

In many of these cases, transmission is through close or intimate contact. Most recent non-African cases involve men who have sex with men (MSM), though spread to the general population is also possible.

While overall case numbers globally are down compared to the 2022–2023 peak, outbreaks — especially in Africa — remain concerning. WHO continues to warn that Mpox is a “moderate” global public-health risk, urging surveillance, vaccination and public education.

What You Should Know: Prevention & Protection

Given how Mpox spreads, simple precautions can greatly reduce risk:

• Avoid close physical contact (skin, mucosa) with those who have suspicious rashes or symptoms

• Avoid sharing bedding, towels, clothing with someone infected

• Maintain good hygiene and thoroughly disinfect shared surfaces and fabrics

• If traveling to or living in high-risk areas, stay informed — and consider vaccination if eligible

Vaccines are available and recommended for at-risk groups.

Why Mpox Still Matters — Even If Global Attention Has Faded

It’s true that media attention has decreased since the 2022–23 global outbreak. But Mpox has not disappeared. Here’s why it still matters:

• New variants continue to emerge, potentially altering transmissibility or severity

• Large outbreaks persist in Africa, often under-reported due to limited resources

• Local outbreaks can reappear anywhere via travel or community spread

• Vulnerable populations (children, immunocompromised, pregnant individuals) remain at elevated risk

Staying informed, practicing hygiene and safe contact habits, and supporting vaccination remain key.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly is Mpox?

Mpox (formerly called monkeypox) is a viral infection caused by an Orthopoxvirus — the same family as smallpox. It spreads mainly through close physical contact with an infected person or their belongings.
It is not the same as smallpox and is generally much milder, but some strains can still cause serious illness. Mpox continues to change over time, so global health agencies closely monitor new variants.

2. What are the early symptoms of Mpox?

The first symptoms often feel like the flu: fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and muscle aches. A few days later, a rash appears — starting as bumps, then blisters, then scabs.
The rash can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, hands, genitals, or inside the mouth. Some people may notice the rash first, before other symptoms begin.

3. How dangerous is Mpox?

Most people recover in 2–4 weeks. But it can be severe in children, pregnant individuals, or people with weakened immune systems. Certain variants (like Clade I) have higher risks.
Severe cases may require hospital care, especially if complications like dehydration, eye infections, or secondary bacterial infections develop. Early treatment improves recovery.

4. How does Mpox spread?

Mpox spreads through skin-to-skin contact, contact with rash/scabs/body fluids, contaminated bedding or clothing, and respiratory droplets during close, prolonged contact. It does not spread like COVID through the air over long distances.
Most infections come from direct personal contact, not casual encounters. Good hygiene and avoiding shared items greatly reduce the risk.

5. What are the new variants of Mpox?

WHO currently tracks multiple clades: Clade I (Ia and Ib) and Clade II (IIa and IIb). The Ib variant is causing most new outbreaks in Africa and has been detected in Europe, Asia, and the U.S.
Different clades can vary in how easily they spread and how severe illness can be. Clade I strains tend to cause more complications than Clade II.

6. Where is Mpox spreading now?

The highest transmission is in 19 African countries, especially central and eastern Africa. Recent cases have also been found in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and the United States.
Some of these countries are now reporting sustained local transmission, meaning cases are no longer only linked to travel. Outbreak patterns continue to shift week by week.

7. Can Mpox spread through sexual contact?

While Mpox is not classified as a traditional STI, it can spread through intimate or sexual contact because of skin-to-skin exposure. Many recent outbreaks involved networks of close personal contact.
Any contact with lesions or infectious fluids can transmit the virus—even if symptoms are mild or unnoticed. Safer sex precautions help reduce risk.

8. Is there a vaccine for Mpox?

Yes. Smallpox vaccines (like MVA-Bavarian Nordic) offer protection. They’re recommended for people at higher risk or those exposed during outbreaks.
Vaccination can also be given after exposure to help prevent symptoms or reduce severity. Availability depends on each country’s public health guidelines.

9. How is Mpox treated?

Most cases resolve with supportive care. Severe or high-risk cases may receive antivirals like tecovirimat (TPOXX) if available.
Treatment focuses on keeping patients comfortable, managing pain, and preventing complications. Early medical evaluation is important for people at higher risk of severe disease.

10. Can Mpox come back after recovery?

Re-infection seems uncommon, but immunity may not be lifelong. More research is ongoing as new variants appear.
People who recover still need to stay aware of symptoms during future outbreaks. Vaccination may offer additional protection even for those previously infected.

11. Should I be worried about catching Mpox?

For most people, the risk is low. But if you live in, work in, or travel to an area with ongoing outbreaks—or have close contact with someone who has a suspicious rash—you should be cautious.
Monitoring local health updates helps you understand your personal risk level. Simple prevention steps make infection highly unlikely for most individuals.

12. How do I protect myself?

Avoid close contact with anyone who has a rash or symptoms, don’t share bedding/towels/clothing, wash hands often, get vaccinated if recommended, and follow local outbreak guidance.
If you develop a rash yourself, isolate and contact a healthcare provider early. Prompt testing and care help prevent further spread.

Final Thoughts

Mpox is not a disease of the past — it’s evolving. With new variants such as clade Ib now spreading beyond traditional hotspots, and community transmission confirmed around the world, it's important not to be complacent.

By knowing the symptoms, staying alert to local outbreaks, following preventive practices, and supporting vaccination, we can keep ourselves and our communities safer.

Related Articles:
1. WHO Temporary Recommendations for Mpox Response and Prevention
2. Vaccines: What They Are and Why They Matter to You

Sources:

1. World Health Organization (WHO) — Mpox Outbreak Overview
Official WHO outbreak page with global status, clades, and trends.
https://www.who.int/emergencies/situations/mpox-outbreak

2. WHO Fact Sheet — Mpox (disease basics)
Authoritative overview of Mpox symptoms, transmission, clades, and prevention.
https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox

3. Mayo Clinic – Mpox (Monkeypox) Overview
Authoritative explanation of what Mpox is, symptoms, spread, prevention, and treatment basics.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/expert-answers/monkeypox-faq/faq-20533608

4. Cleveland Clinic – Mpox (Monkeypox) Information
Clinical overview of Mpox causes, symptoms and management from a major U.S. health system.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22371-monkeypox

5. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) – Monkeypox/Mpox
Official U.S. government CDC page with up-to-date guidance on Mpox, including spread, symptoms, testing, and prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/monkeypox/index.html?utm

6. World Health Organization (WHO) – Mpox Fact Sheet
Global health authority overview with definitions, symptoms, transmission, and prevention.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mpox.html?utm

7. CDC – Infection Prevention in Healthcare Settings (Mpox)
Detailed guidance on infection control and precautions in healthcare environments from the CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/monkeypox/hcp/infection-control/healthcare-settings.html?utm

8. WHO — Mpox: Multi-country External Situation Report No. 59
Latest WHO situation report on global circulation and community transmission of clade Ib outside Africa.
https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/documents/emergencies/multi-country-outbreak-of-mpox--external-situation-report--59.pdf

9. WHO Disease Outbreak News — Broader transmission of clade Ib MPXV
Updated report on confirmed clade Ib transmissions and WHO guidance.
https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON587

10. WHO — International Health Regulations Emergency Committee Reports
Expert meeting notes with detailed epidemiological updates.
https://www.who.int/news/item/17-03-2025-third-meeting-of-the-international-health-regulations-%282005%29-emergency-committee-regarding-the-upsurge-of-mpox-2024

11. UK Government — Biological Principles for Control of Mpox in the UK
Official UK guidance on mpox clades, classification, and control strategy.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/biological-principles-for-control-of-mpox-in-the-uk-4-nations-consensus-statement

12. UKHSA — Latest Clade Ib Mpox Update in England
UK Health Security Agency report on imported clade Ib mpox cases and follow-up.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-detects-first-case-of-clade-ib-mpox (GOV.UK)

13. WHO/Europe — Local clade Ib mpox transmission in the UK
European regional WHO statement confirming local clade Ib transmissions in the UK (first observed in 2024).
https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/05-11-2024-first-local-transmissions-of-clade-ib-mpox-in-the-who-european-region-confirmed-in-the-united-kingdom

14. BMC Public Health — Mpox Information Sources Systematic Review
Peer-reviewed study confirming WHO and CDC are widely used and trusted mpox information sources.
https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-17741-5