The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory after a more serious and infectious variant of the mpox virus was reported across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a rare viral infection that causes fever, chill and rash. It has no cure but in most cases, the infection subsides itself. However, in some people, it can cause complications such as pneumonia and infections of the brain or eyes, which can be life-threatening.
Clade I Monkeypox virus (MPXV), the mpox variant with a 10% fatality rate, is now spreading in DRC. Cases related to this subtype of mpox virus have not been reported in the U.S. However, the CDC has alerted health professionals about its possibility in travelers who have been to DRC.
The agency issued a level 2 travel health notice as the outbreak was confirmed in 22 out of 26 provinces of DRC.
“Person-to-person transmission has occurred during this outbreak, including through sexual contact, household contact, and within the healthcare setting,” the agency said.
Meanwhile, health officials from Rhode Island and Nashville, Tennessee, have reported a surge in cases of mpox.
“With new mpox cases recently reported in RI for the first time in several months, it’s important for people at risk to be aware of the symptoms and get vaccinated against mpox or complete their vaccination series,” the Rhode Island Department of Health said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Our community has seen an uptick in mpox cases recently, and we’re taking action to protect you. mpox spreads through close contact, often via sexual contact. Stop by tomorrow for your mpox vaccine,” Nashville Health officials posted on X.
Last year, mpox outbreaks were reported across 110 countries, including the U.S., and the cases were related to the Clade IIb variant, which has a fatality rate of less than 1%. The infection primarily, but not exclusively, affected gay, bisexual and men who had sex with other…
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