Health officials in Spain have reported 82 cases of mpox clade Ib
Travellers have been urged to “take extra precautions” due to cases of mpox(Image: Getty)
British holidaymakers travelling to a popular destination have been advised to take “extra precautions” following a surge in cases of an infectious disease. Spanish health authorities have confirmed 82 cases of a particular strain of mpox.
Travel Health Pro stated: “As of 17 February 2026, a total of 82 cases of mpox clade Ib have been reported in Spain. 62 of these cases have been reported in men who have sex with men (MSM).” The organisation added: “Take extra precautions.”
The Ib variant is believed to spread more easily than the clade II strain which sparked an outbreak across the UK in 2022. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, can be transmitted between individuals through direct physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs.
After contracting mpox, symptoms typically emerge between five and 21 days following infection. Initial signs may include a high temperature, intense headaches, muscle pains and backache, along with swollen glands, chills, extreme fatigue and joint discomfort.
A rash may appear anywhere on the body between one and five days after symptom onset. The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that very young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems, particularly those with uncontrolled HIV, are at heightened risk of severe complications from mpox, which can be life-threatening.
Throughout 2024, several African nations have been grappling with an outbreak of clade Ib mpox cases. Concurrently, imported instances have surfaced in a range of countries, including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden, and the United States.
The NHS recommends contacting 111 if you exhibit any symptoms of mpox and have travelled to central or eastern Africa within the past three weeks, especially if you’ve had close contact with an individual showing signs of mpox.
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.”
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