UK health officials are preparing for a new strain of the mpox virus, declared a global emergency by the World Health Organisation. The virus originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but has not yet been reported in the UK. The UK Health Security Agency is ensuring medics are ready by providing testing and protocols for patient care. Mpox is passed through physical contact and symptoms include fever, headache, and rash. The virus previously caused a large outbreak in the UK in 2022, mainly affecting men who have sex with other men. The virus has resurfaced in Africa, prompting a coordinated international response.