The World Health Organization has declared mpox, also known as monkeypox, a global public health emergency for the second time in two years due to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to neighboring countries. More than 17,000 suspected cases and 517 deaths have been reported in Africa this year, with cases reported in 13 countries. Mpox has two distinct viral clades, I and II, with clade I being more transmissible and causing severe infections. A new strain, clade Ib, is spreading and appears to be more easily transmissible through routine contact. The WHO is calling for a coordinated international response to stop the outbreaks and save lives.
In 2022, a different strain of mpox, clade IIb, caused a global spread through sexual contact among men. Cases in the U.S. have declined considerably since then, with doctors urged to be on the lookout for mpox in travelers from affected areas. The virus typically starts with a rash and other symptoms and a vaccine is available in the U.S. but not easily in the DRC, so the U.S. is donating 50,000 doses. The CDC recommends people at risk receive two doses of the vaccine, which is effective against both clades. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is prepared to detect and manage any clade I cases should they arise in the country.
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