Travel alert to ‘take extra precautions’ as virus strain found in 2 European countries

Here’s what you need to know about the clade Ib strain

Travellers have been urged to “take extra precautions” as cases of a highly contagious disease have been reported in two European countries. Experts at Travel Health Pro have issued advice about the clade Ib strain of mpox.

In an update, Travel Health Pro explained that cases of this infection have been confirmed in both Austria and Sweden. These cases were recorded between early February and mid-March this year.

On its website, Travel Health Pro said: “Since 1 Feb 2026 and as of 12 March 2026, six cases of clade Ib mpox have been reported in Austria. Since 1 Feb 2026 and as of 12 March 2026, seven cases of clade Ib mpox have been reported in Sweden.”

Regarding both countries, it said “take extra precautions”. The Ib variant is thought to transmit more readily than the clade II strain, which triggered an outbreak throughout the UK in 2022.

Mpox, previously referred to as monkeypox, can pass between people through direct physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs. Following infection with mpox, symptoms generally develop between five and 21 days after exposure.

Early warning signs may include a high temperature, severe headaches, muscle aches and backache, alongside swollen glands, chills, extreme tiredness and joint pain.

A rash may develop anywhere on the body within one to five days of symptoms beginning. The World Health Organisation (WHO) cautions that very young children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems, particularly those with uncontrolled HIV, face an increased risk of serious complications from mpox, which can prove fatal.

Throughout 2024, numerous African countries have been contending with an outbreak of clade Ib mpox cases. Since then, imported cases have emerged across several nations, including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden, and the United States.

Last month, it was confirmed that a total of 82 cases of mpox clade Ib have been reported in Spain, a popular holiday destination for Brits.

When to seek help

The NHS advises ringing 111 if you display any symptoms of mpox and have visited central or eastern Africa within the previous three weeks, particularly if you’ve been in close contact with someone displaying mpox symptoms.

Minimise your risk

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 vaccine
• Wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• Look out for any possible symptoms of mpox for three weeks after returning from central or east Africa
• Talk to sexual partners about their sexual health and any symptoms they may have
• Be aware of the symptoms of mpox if you’re sexually active, especially if you have new sexual partners
• Take 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 on
• Do not share bedding or towels with people who may have mpox
• Do not have close contact (within one metre) with people who may have mpox
• Do not go near wild or stray animals, including animals that appear unwell or are dead, while travelling in central or east Africa
• Do not eat or touch meat from wild animals while travelling in central or east Africa

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the first case of mpox clade Ib infection was confirmed in the UK on 30 October 2024. Up to 31 January 2026, 25 cases of were reported.

It said: “To 31 January 2026, most of these cases have reported direct or indirect links to travel to countries where mpox clade Ib is circulating.”