Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is currently spreading. Over 15000 cases of a new Mpox variant have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But why is this mpox outbreak so different? And do we have the tools to fight this new mpox outbreak? Let's find out!
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Mpox (also known as monkeypox) has been discovered in 1958 in Denmark. However, the first human that has been infected with mpox was recovered in 1970 and mpox initially did not spread any further. There are two reasons for this: Mpox was primarily transmitted through live stock and the smallpox vaccine also protected against mpox infections. However, as smallpox was eradicated and people generally did not receive the vaccine anymore, mpox could spread. Several mpox (monkeypox) outbreaks were detected in Africa and some in other continents. However, everything changed in 2022: A new mpox variant was spreading all over the world with major outbreaks affecting over 100.000 people. This mpox variant belonged to clade II mpox viruses and primarily spread through intimate contact. With vaccination campaigns and other measures, this mpox outbreak was largely stopped.
At the end of 2023, a new mpox variant was found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This variant belonged to the more dangerous clade I mpox variant and it spread through close contact and possibly body fluids such as saliva. Right now, over 15.000 cases of this mpox variant were detected. However, it is estimated that this mpox virus will spread further. And this is especially bad, as clade I mpox variants generally cause more severe symptoms compared to clade I mpox viruses. Right now, countries are preparing vaccine donations to stop among other measures to stop this mpox outbreak.
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About Clemens Steinek:
CLEMENS STEINEK is a researcher (Sciencerely) who is currently conducting research in Germany.
12 сен 2024
