Two more cases of a potentially deadly strain of the mpox virus have been detected, in household contacts of the first case, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.

It brings the total number of cases of the Clade Ib mpox strain to three.

The two patients are currently under specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.

The UKHSA said the risk to the UK population “remains low”.

Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, said: “Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact and so it is not unexpected to see further cases within the same household.

“The overall risk to the UK population remains low. We are working with partners to make sure all contacts of the cases are identified and contacted to reduce the risk of further spread.”