WHO warns of rising 'clade Ib' Mpox cases worldwide: 5 symptoms we should watch out for

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised a fresh alert after detecting the clade Ib strain of the Mpox virus across 42 countries. Once confined mainly to Central and West Africa, the virus has now spread to parts of Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
As of September 2025, over 3,100 confirmed cases and 12 deaths were reported globally, with a noticeable rise in countries like Kenya, Liberia, Portugal, and Spain. What worries experts most is that clade Ib is now spreading locally in nations where it was never seen before, signalling community transmission.

Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), a close relative of the smallpox virus. There are two major known clades: clade I (mostly found in Central Africa) and clade II (linked to outbreaks since 2022).

The newly tracked clade Ib is a genetic offshoot of clade I. Experts believe this variant may show a slightly different infection pattern, though there’s no current proof that it is more severe or deadly. What makes it concerning is its quiet spread across continents and early signs of human-to-human transmission in non-endemic countries.

Mpox spreads mainly through close contact, skin-to-skin touch, body fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated objects like bedding and towels. In the latest clusters, clade Ib has been detected in community settings, including among men who have sex with men (MSM), similar to how clade IIb spread in 2022.

Still, the WHO clarifies that the overall risk for the general population remains low. The focus remains on breaking transmission chains quickly to prevent larger outbreaks.

Unlike earlier outbreaks limited to specific regions, clade Ib has shown the ability to circulate in communities far from endemic zones. That means new infections can appear without any direct travel link to Africa.

Experts call this a “wake-up call” for global surveillance. The virus’s ability to move silently through human networks, coupled with overlapping symptoms of other infections, makes timely detection crucial.

Early recognition helps stop the spread. The following signs should prompt medical attention:

Fever and chills: Usually the first warning, lasting two to three days.
Painful rashes or lesions: Start as red spots, then form blisters and scabs, commonly on the face, palms, genitals, or mouth.
Swollen lymph nodes: A telltale sign that differentiates Mpox from other rashes like chickenpox.
Muscle pain and fatigue: The body’s immune system fights hard, causing exhaustion.
Sore throat or headache: May appear before rashes, often misread as flu symptoms.

Simple preventive habits still make the biggest difference. Avoid close contact with anyone who has visible sores or unexplained rashes. Practice good hand hygiene, and follow updates from health authorities.

Healthcare workers in affected countries are also advised to wear protective gear and ensure safe waste disposal, as the virus can linger on surfaces.

The WHO continues to monitor the evolution of clade Ib closely. The goal remains clear: detect early, treat fast, and prevent another large-scale outbreak.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Readers should consult qualified health experts for diagnosis or treatment related to Mpox or similar infections.