Health experts are advising the public to be extra cautious following the discovery of more cases of a contagious illness in the United Kingdom. Recent data reveals that there have been 16 confirmed instances of a specific type of mpox in England.
According to a statement from Travel Health Pro, as of September 11, 2025, a total of 16 cases of clade Ib mpox have been identified in the UK, all of which are in England. Many of these cases are linked to travel to regions where clade Ib mpox is prevalent.
This particular strain is believed to be more transmissible than the clade II variant that caused an outbreak in the UK in 2022. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, can spread through close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs.
Symptoms of mpox typically appear between five and 21 days after exposure. Initial signs may include high fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, swollen glands, chills, fatigue, and joint pain. A rash may develop on the body within one to five days.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems, particularly those with poorly managed HIV, are at higher risk of severe complications from mpox, which can be fatal. However, most individuals recover within four weeks.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that all 16 cases in the UK were located in England, with most of them linked to travel to areas where clade Ib mpox is circulating.
Since 2024, several African countries have been dealing with a surge in clade Ib mpox cases. Additionally, imported cases have been reported in various countries, including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden, and the United States.
The NHS advises individuals to contact 111 if they exhibit mpox symptoms and have recently visited central or east Africa or had close contact with an infected person.
While the disease is considered rare, there are preventive measures to reduce the risk of contracting and transmitting it. These precautions include maintaining good hygiene practices and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
Between 2023 and 2025, a total of 589 cases of mpox clade IIb were reported in the UK, according to the UKHSA. Despite ongoing imports of clade IIb mpox, case numbers during this period are significantly lower than in 2022 due to widespread vaccine coverage suppressing transmission.