Time: 2024-07-13
A dangerous new strain of mpox has infected at least 25 people in a major city in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo , sparking fears of possible international transmission . Mpox , formerly known as monkeypox , caused a global outbreak in 2022 , affecting mainly gay and bisexual men in over 100 countries.
The DRC is facing challenges in containing a more lethal variant of the virus called clade 1 , with a mortality rate of up to 10 percent . This year alone , the country has recorded over 11,000 cases of mpox , resulting in the deaths of 443 individuals , most of whom are children . In April , concerns were raised when a new strain of mpox with pandemic potential was identified in Kamituga , a densely populated gold mining town in the province of South Kivu.
Named clade 1b , this new variant of the virus is believed to have higher transmissibility among individuals , particularly through sexual contact . It also possesses mutations that make it harder to detect using existing diagnostic tests . The town of Kamituga has a significant transient population and a thriving sex trade , factors that contribute to the rapid spread of the virus in the community.
Health authorities are on high alert as they work to contain the spread of the new strain of mpox and prevent it from crossing borders . Efforts are being made to enhance surveillance and testing capabilities to identify and isolate cases promptly . The situation in the DRC remains critical , with the need for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of life and potential global health threats.
As the world grapples with the ongoing pandemic , the emergence of a new and more transmissible strain of mpox serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust public health measures and global cooperation in combating infectious diseases . The international community must remain vigilant and proactive in responding to emerging health threats to safeguard the well - being of populations worldwide.
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