As the mpox virus continues to spread internationally, more countries have reported cases of a new and potentially more deadly strain. Four countries outside Africa – Sweden, Thailand, Philippines, and Pakistan – have confirmed cases of the virus, while 14 countries in Africa have also been affected.
Where has mpox spread?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern due to a new strain named Clade 1, which is believed to be more serious and easily transmissible through skin-to-skin contact. The African continent, especially the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been the epicenter of the outbreak.
The rapid spread of the Clade 1 variant has led to thousands of cases in the DRC, with a high fatality rate. In Africa, children under 15 account for a significant portion of the cases. The Clade 1b strain has also emerged in neighboring countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Asian countries, like the Philippines, Thailand, and Pakistan, have reported new cases, with different variants detected. In Europe, only Sweden has reported a case so far, raising concerns about the potential for further spread due to international air travel.
While no cases of the Clade 1 virus have been reported in the Americas, the region remains vigilant as the outbreak progresses. Overall, the global impact of mpox highlights the need for continued monitoring and response efforts to prevent further spread.