Mpox could be the next pandemic warn British scientists who say it’s slipping under the radar

MPOX has the potential to become a significant global threat if international action isn't taken now, warn scientists.

Mpox is a viral infection caused by a virus that belongs to the same family as small pox.

Symptoms include a painful rash, fever, and swollen glands.

Infections are usually mild and can get better within a few weeks without treatment, but in some cases, lead to more serious illness.

It's most commonly found in parts of central and east Africa, but there have been a small number of cases of mpox in the UK since 2022.

In a letter published inNature Medicine, researchers from the University of Surrey highlighted how mpox – traditionally spread from animals to humans – is now showing clear signs of sustained human-to-human transmission.

Carlos Maluquer de Motes, Reader in Molecular Virology at the University of Surrey, said:“The most recent outbreaks show that intimate contact is now a significant way the virus spreads.

“That shift in how it’s transmitted is leading to longer transmission chains and lasting outbreaks.”;

The article notes this change coincided with the rapid spread of clade IIb mpox viruses, but clade I variants are now on the rise too.

The researchers also raised concerns because clade I viruses are thought to be more aggressive.

They said these viruses appear to be accumulating specific genetic mutations – driven by enzymes in the human body – that may be changing viral properties.

And the longer these viruses circulate among the population, the higher the chances these mutations help mpox adapt to humans.

Mpox currently affects adults the most, but the researchers also stressed it has the potential to spread among other groups, including children, a group at greater risk of serious illness – although sustained transmission in children has not yet been reported.

Dr Maluquer de Motes added: “Mpox control has to climb up the global health agenda.

“We have limited diagnostic tools and even fewer antiviral treatments.

“We urgently need better surveillance and local or regional capacity to produce what we need – otherwise, we are at risk of future epidemics.”;

Unlike smallpox, mpox has an animal reservoir, meaning it can’t be fully eradicated.

The authors warn that unless international action is taken now – including investment in point-of-care testing and new treatments – mpox will continue to re-emerge and threaten global health.

MPOX CASES IN THE UK

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed nine cases of clade Ib mpox in the UK as of February 10, 2025.

The first cases of clade Ib in London in October 2024.

The individual had recently travelled to Uganda.

Today, the risk of clade I mpox to the UK population remains low.

HOW YOU GET MPOX

The NHS says mpox can be passed on from person to person in the following ways:

• any close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs (including during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling or holding hands)
• touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with mpox
• the coughs or sneezes of a person with mpox when they're close to you

In parts of central and east Africa, mpox can also be caught from infected rodents (such as rats, mice and squirrels) if:

• you're bitten
• you touch their fur, skin, blood, body fluids, spots, blisters or scabs
• you eat their meat and it has not been cooked thoroughly

SYMPTOMS OF MPOX

Mpox can cause a range of signs and symptoms.

While some people have less severe symptoms, others may develop more serious illness and require hospital care.

The World Health Organisation says common symptoms of mpox include a rash which may last for two to four weeks.

This may start with, or be followed by, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands (lymph nodes).

An mpox rash looks like blisters or sores, and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, genital and/or anal regions.

These lesions may also be found in the mouth, throat, anus, rectum or vagina, or on the eyes.

And the number of sores can range from one to several thousand.

Some people develop inflammation inside the rectum that can cause severe pain, as well as inflammation of the genitals that may cause difficulties urinating.

In most cases, symptoms go away on their own within a few weeks.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE MPOX

If you suspect you have mpox,seek immediate medical advice by contacting your healthcare provider or calling NHS 111.

Don't go to a clinic or hospital in person without calling first. This helps prevent the spread of the virus and allows healthcare professionals to prepare for your arrival.

Depending on advice you've received after calling 111, isolate yourself by staying at home and avoid close contact with others. This includes household members, friends, and colleagues.

Inform anyone you have been in close contact with. This allows them to take precautions and seek medical advice if needed.

MPOX VACCINE

THE NHS is offering the mpox vaccine to people who are at increased risk of catching mpox.

You may be able to have the mpox vaccine if:

• you're a man who has sex with other men and you have multiple partners, participate in group sex or attend sex-on-premises venues (staff at these venues may also be eligible)
• you've had contact with someone who has mpox

If you've had contact with someone who has mpox, the contact tracing team should contact you.

They will check your risk of catching mpox and tell you if you need to have an mpox vaccine.