(NEXSTAR) – The World Health Organization says MPOX is spreading rapidly in parts of Africa, making it a global health emergency. For many in the U.S., the virus hasn’t been a top concern in recent years, but is it now something to worry about again?
There are several important differences between the type of MPOX that was prevalent globally (including around the United States) in 2022 and the type that prompted the WHO’s new declaration.
According to the WHO, there have been more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths in Africa so far this year, already surpassing last year’s totals, with more than 96% of all cases and deaths in one country, the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The current strain of MPOX circulating (lineage I) is more serious than the strain seen two years ago (lineage II), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lineage I spreads more easily and can kill up to 10% of those infected. Meanwhile, more than 99% of people infected with lineage II in 2022 survived.
Also, in previous MPOX outbreaks, lesions were mainly seen on the chest, hands, and feet. The new type of MPOX causes lesions on the genitals and has milder symptoms. While this may sound like a good thing, it actually means people may be less likely to notice the infection and may be able to make others sick without even realizing they have it.
In the MPOX epidemic that occurred worldwide in 2022, gay and bisexual men made up the majority of infected people, and the virus spread mainly through close contact, including sexual contact. But in the current outbreak in Congo, the majority of infections and deaths are children. The reason for this difference is not entirely clear. Dr. Bogma Titanzi, an infectious disease expert at Emory University, said it may be because children are more susceptible to infection. Social factors such as overcrowding and contact with sick parents may also play a role.
Another key difference between now and 2022 is that there have yet to be any reported cases of lineage I mpox in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Health. Ministry of Health and Human Services.
of The CDC He said the risk of the mpox type I strain entering the United States from Congo is “very low,” and that even if a new strain were to enter the U.S., the U.S. is well prepared to combat its spread. Importantly, the U.S. already has an effective vaccine.
“Based on what we know, people in the United States who have already had MPOX or who have received two doses of MPOX vaccine are likely protected against lineage I MPOX,” the CDC wrote.
Anyone Who should receive the vaccine? Get it now, no need to wait for the outbreak to get worse.
Congolese authorities have requested but not yet received 4 million doses of vaccine to halt the spread of a more deadly variant of the virus, according to the Associated Press. The WHO declaration is intended to encourage other countries to donate vaccines and treatments.
According to the CDC, clade II mpox is still widespread in the United States, but in small clusters, and case numbers have stabilized at about 250 cases per month.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
