Deadlier Strain of Mpox Spreads to More Countries

A more virulent strain of mpox, known as Clade Ib, has emerged in Africa, with over 14,000 cases and 511 deaths reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This strain has now spread to Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, prompting the WHO to consider declaring it a public health emergency.

 

The CDC has issued an advisory for heightened vigilance among travelers from affected regions. Clade Ib, though deadlier, is not more transmissible than other strains. The WHO is expediting vaccine access for low-income countries and has requested international support to address the outbreak, which is currently deemed a moderate risk to the general population but high in the DRC. Read more from CNN here.