Confirms isolation of monkeypox virus in environmental samples, suggesting enhanced monitoring is crucial for outbreak prevention.
In early 2025, the first cluster of imported clade Ib mpox cases in China was reported. Here we reported the laboratory confirmation of these mpox cases and the isolation of replication-competent MPXV from environmental samples. Seven clinical specimens and six environmental samples (from trimmers, shoe inserts, cloth, bedsheets, carpets, pillows, and bedside tables) were collected for molecular and serological detection. These mpox cases were confirmed to be MPXV clade Ib-positive based on qPCR and MPXV-specific seroconversion. Furthermore, clinical and environmental swabs were selected for virus isolation using Vero cells. Replication-competent viruses were isolated from two mpox clinical samples and an environmental sample (designated as MPXV-Ib-CCDC-Tan-TJ04). MPXV clade Ib strains exhibited smaller plaques than those of clade IIb strains. Neutralization assay indicated a strong correlation between clades Ib and IIb. This study highlights the importance of sustained surveillance in laboratory investigations by combining molecular detection with serological testing. The isolation of infectious MPXV clade Ib from environmental samples emphasizes the importance of environmental monitoring, disinfection practices, and health education for the prevention and control of mpox outbreaks, which could provide critical scientific evidence for formulating public health interventions.
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