The new strain of Mpox virus: Scientists urge preparation and vigilance

The world is on high alert as a dangerous new strain of the Mpox virus is causing concern among health officials. Scientists tracking the spread of this new strain, known as Clade 1b, are urging people to “get prepared” as it appears to spread more easily from person to person and has potentially more severe symptoms with a higher mortality rate.

The strain first emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) among sex workers in the mining town of Kamituga, and has since spread to other areas in the country. Estimates suggest that the new strain has a mortality rate of 5% for adults and 10% for children, making it the most dangerous strain of Mpox so far.

Jean Claude Udahemuka from the University of Rwanda has emphasized the importance of being prepared and supporting the local response to this new strain. Cases of the new strain have also been reported in South Africa, with concerns rising about the potential for international spread.

Vaccination with a smallpox vaccine, which provides protection against Mpox, has helped control previous strains of the virus. However, the severity of symptoms and the ease of transmission of this new strain are raising alarms among health experts.

As global health bodies prepare for an emergency vaccination campaign in the affected areas, there is an urgent need to better understand the characteristics of the Clade 1b strain. Professor Trudie Lang from the University of Oxford highlights the importance of determining the incubation period and the potential for asymptomatic spread to better assess the severity of the epidemic.

With uncertainties surrounding this new strain of Mpox, it is crucial for communities to stay informed and follow the guidance of health authorities to prevent further spread of the virus. Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation.