Time: 2024-08-18
Officials in Pakistan confirmed a case of mpox on Friday and are investigating its link to the outbreak in central Africa . The World Health Organization has declared mpox a global health emergency due to the growing outbreaks . Pakistani health officials withdrew a statement earlier in the day regarding three mpox patients arriving from the UAE.
The outbreak in Africa has led to over 2,800 confirmed cases and 517 deaths in 2024 , with the Democratic Republic of Congo reporting the majority of cases . The variant responsible for the outbreak has led to at least 12 countries in Africa reporting mpox cases . The WHO chief emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance and sharing of tools like vaccines to address the current outbreak.
The virus spreads primarily through close contact with infected people , animals , or contaminated materials , such as towels . The preferred vaccine for mpox is Bavarian Nordic 's two - dose vaccine , Jynneos , which has been authorized for use against the virus . The shot has a more favorable risk profile compared to other alternatives.
Emergent BioSolutions ' smallpox vaccine , ACAM2000 , is also available in national stockpiles worldwide and could be used if needed . Other vaccines like KM Biologics ' LC16 and a Russian - approved smallpox vaccine could also be utilized against mpox . The CDC recommends mpox vaccination for at - risk groups , including men who have sex with men , healthcare workers , and those exposed to the virus.
The current outbreak is driven by the clade I variant , which is more transmissible and severe compared to the clade II variant responsible for the 2022 outbreak . The virus has spread internationally from the Democratic Republic of Congo to other countries . Cases have been linked to exposure to animals , transmission within households , and close personal contact.
In conclusion , the spread of mpox has raised concerns globally , with countries like Pakistan confirming cases and monitoring the situation closely . The availability of vaccines and recommendations for at - risk groups are essential in controlling the outbreak and preventing further international spread . The differences between the clade I and clade II variants highlight the need for continued research and surveillance to combat the virus effectively.