UK identifies four cases of new mpox variant, the first cluster outside Africa

British health officials have confirmed four cases of a new, more infectious variant of mpox that originated in Congo. This marks the first time the variant has caused illness outside of Africa, with the cases being identified in the U.K. The risk to the public is considered low, but authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The new variant of mpox is believed to have milder symptoms that are harder to notice, making it easier to spread. The World Health Organization has declared a global emergency due to the spread of this variant in Africa. Vaccines have been allocated to countries struggling with mpox epidemics.