CDC warns of potential resurgence of mpox

May 19, 2024

Updated: May 19, 2024

SALT LAKE CITY — The‍ Democratic ⁤Republic ⁤of the Congo, a central African⁣ nation, is currently grappling with a ⁣more lethal strain of⁢ monkeypox, now simply referred⁢ to as mpox. This new strain has a higher mortality rate compared to the‍ mpox variant that swept across⁤ Europe and the ‍U.S. in ‍2022. The Centers ⁢for Disease Control and Prevention ‌(CDC) is urging individuals at high risk ⁣to get vaccinated.

According to a report by U.S. News, “Mpox has been⁤ endemic to Africa for a long time, as it ⁢can be ‍transmitted to humans through contact with‌ animals such as‍ monkeys.” The recent outbreak in the country suggests⁤ “multiple transmissions from animal hosts within” the ‍nation.

The report further stated, “Fortunately,‍ there is a vaccine for mpox, produced⁣ under the brand name ⁣Jynneos. It’s a two-dose regimen, ⁢with the shots administered about a month apart.”

The 2022 outbreak predominantly affected gay and bisexual‍ men, as per ⁣the CDC. With Pride events ⁣on the horizon, public health ⁣officials are ‍advocating for⁤ vaccination. During the outbreak, ‌the U.S. recorded 32,063 cases and ⁤58 deaths. Globally, ⁤the number of cases stood at 95,912, according to the‍ CDC.

The⁤ New York Times reported, “The CDC is concentrating its efforts on encouraging Americans at highest risk to get vaccinated before⁣ the virus makes a comeback. The agency’s outreach initiatives include collaborating ⁤with ‍advocacy groups and social⁤ media influencers who have a wide reach within the LGBTQ+ ‌community. In December, the agency advised ‍clinicians to stay vigilant for ‌potential cases ⁤in travelers from Congo.”

“There ‍are two ⁣primary types ‍of mpox: Clade ⁣I, the dominant type in Congo, and Clade II, a variant of which caused the 2022 global outbreak. (A clade is ‍a genetically and clinically distinct group of viruses.) Both clades have been present in Africa for⁢ decades, occasionally leading to ‍outbreaks,” the Times added.

The CDC⁤ emphasized on Thursday the importance of controlling the ‍outbreak ⁢in Congo and⁣ preventing its ⁣spread ‌to ⁢other countries.

Signs of‍ mpox

The initial visible symptom can be⁣ a rash, typically found on the hands, feet,⁣ chest, face, mouth, or near the genital area. The incubation period ranges⁣ from 3-17 days, during which there are no symptoms. The rash may ⁣resemble pimples or blisters before it‌ scabs over and ⁢heals. ⁣The rash can sometimes cause pain or itching.

Other symptoms can include fever, chills, ⁣swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, muscle and back pain, headache, and respiratory symptoms like nasal ⁤congestion or cough.

The CDC advises anyone exhibiting these symptoms to seek medical attention⁢ — but‍ to wear a mask when doing ⁢so.

There’s ⁤no ‌evidence to‍ suggest that asymptomatic individuals‍ can transmit‍ the virus.

Transmission ⁣of mpox

Both clades can be transmitted through intimate ‌or close personal contact. Pregnant women can pass the virus to a fetus in the womb or to a newborn during and⁤ after ‍birth,‌ as per ‍the CDC.

The virus ‍can also spread by touching “objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have not ⁣been disinfected after use by ⁣someone with mpox,” according to the CDC. Transmission can begin up to ‍four days before symptoms appear and can continue until the⁢ rash has completely healed and new‌ skin‌ has formed. Mpox can⁢ also be transmitted to humans through contact with animals via direct close contact, including with the infected animal’s fluids or waste, or through⁤ bites and‍ scratches.

The ⁣CDC ⁣stated that there’s no evidence to⁤ suggest it ‍spreads through water in pools, hot tubs, or splash pads, and it’s known⁤ that the recommended level of chlorine in‍ recreational water venues kills the virus.

A ⁢study‍ published in the Journal of ⁣Infectious Diseases revealed that about 1 in 15 unvaccinated adults who visited ⁣a sexual health clinic in New York⁤ City were found ⁣to⁣ have ⁤antibodies to⁢ mpox,‍ despite not⁤ being vaccinated or showing ‍any symptoms of infection ‌during the⁣ city’s 2022 mpox outbreak. This suggests,‌ according to researchers, that asymptomatic infections also played a role in transmission.