09:32
First Case of New Mpox Strain Confirmed in Northern California After Travel to Eastern Africa
The first U.S. case of a new form of mpox, linked to travel in eastern Africa, has been confirmed, posing a low public risk.
Health authorities announced on Saturday that they have confirmed the first case of a novel form of mpox in the United States, with origins traced to eastern Congo. The individual in question had recently traveled to eastern Africa and sought medical treatment in Northern California upon returning, according to the California Department of Public Health. Fortunately, the person’s symptoms are improving, and the overall risk to the public has been assessed as low.
Understanding Mpox and Its Impact
Mpox is an uncommon disease caused by a virus belonging to the same family as the smallpox virus. While it is endemic in certain regions of Africa, where individuals have contracted the virus through bites from rodents or small animals, a new variant of mpox has emerged, capable of spreading through close contact, including sexual interactions, as reported by scientists earlier this year.
Global Spread and Response
The World Health Organization has documented over 3,100 confirmed cases of the new mpox form since late September, with the majority concentrated in three African countries: Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Furthermore, instances of travelers infected with the new mpox variant have been reported in several countries, including Germany, India, Kenya, Sweden, Thailand, Zimbabwe, and the United Kingdom.
Situation in Congo and Required Vaccines
Health officials indicated earlier this month that the situation in Congo appears to be stabilizing. However, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least 3 million mpox vaccines are needed to curb the spread in Congo, with an additional 7 million vaccines required for the rest of Africa.
It is important to note that the current outbreak of mpox differs from the global outbreak in 2022, which primarily affected gay and bisexual men. The distinction highlights the evolving nature of the disease and its transmission patterns.
Share news
