The mpox virus is spreading beyond Africa with confirmed cases in Sweden, Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. The WHO has declared it a public health emergency of international concern. The DRC continues to have the highest infection rates, mainly due to the more serious Clade 1 variant, while Clade 2 also remains in circulation, previously accounting for over 62,000 cases in the Americas.
The mpox virus, which originated from East Africa, has begun to spread globally, presenting a potentially hazardous public health risk. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern.” The current spread is associated with Clade 1 of the virus, which is identified as a more serious variant and spreads through skin-to-skin contact. In addition to the ongoing situation in Africa, where 14 countries have reported cases, mpox has now been confirmed in four countries outside the continent: Sweden, Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. In Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported the highest number of infections, reaching approximately 13,791 with a concerning fatality rate of around 3.9%. The WHO noted that Clade 1 has been detected in DRC and neighboring countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The DRC government declared an epidemic in December 2022 due to the unprecedented outbreak. In Asia, the recent cases include a confirmed Clade 1b infection in Thailand, linked to a traveler from an African country experiencing an outbreak. In the Philippines, a Clade 2 case was identified in a local male without travel history. Pakistan also reported its first mpox case this year caused by Clade 2, but the patient has yet to be located. In Europe, Sweden confirmed one case of the more serious Clade 1 variant, raising concerns about potential further spread due to travel connections between Europe and Africa. Reports indicate that while the outbreak continues to expand, the Clade 2 variant remains active, having led to more than 62,000 reported cases across the Americas last year, with 141 resulting in fatalities. Consequently, vigilance remains critical globally to prevent further transmission of both Clade 1 and Clade 2 variants.
The mpox virus, particularly in its Clade 1 form, has raised significant alarm due to its rapid international spread since earlier reported cases in East Africa. The WHO’s recent declaration emphasizes the urgency of managing and mitigating this public health threat. Historical context reveals that the Clade 2 variant was responsible for a multicountry outbreak in 2022, prompting health authorities to prepare for similar scenarios with the new Clade 1 and its variant Clade 1b. As nations report new cases beyond African borders, understanding the dynamics between these variants is paramount.
In summary, the mpox virus, driven primarily by its Clade 1 variant, has escalated into a global health concern as confirmed cases appear across numerous regions, including Africa, Asia, and Europe. The DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, while neighboring countries are also beginning to report infections. The developments of new cases in Europe and Asia highlight the importance of international cooperation and robust public health measures to contain and prevent further spread of mpox.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
