In a recent development, a new lineage of the mpox virus linked to efficient human-to-human transmission has been identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This discovery has been described as “alarming” by researchers, as the virus has mutated into a new, distinct clade Ib lineage, which includes mutations that are a hallmark of efficient transmission between humans. This new strain, which is part of the clade Ib lineage, is particularly concerning due to its potential for widespread transmission and its association with a more severe form of the disease compared to the strain that caused the 2022 global outbreak.
The outbreak of this new clade 1b mpox variant was first identified in the Kamituga mining region of the DRC. This area is known for its high population density and extensive travel networks, factors that could facilitate the rapid spread of the virus if not contained effectively. The new strain has been observed to be spreading efficiently through sexual contact, raising concerns that it could fuel another global outbreak similar to the one experienced in 2022.
The mpox virus, previously known as monkeypox, is endemic to certain regions of Africa, and there have been sporadic outbreaks in the past. However, the emergence of this new clade 1b variant is particularly worrying because it appears to have a higher transmission rate and could lead to a more severe form of the disease. Researchers have warned that the situation in the DRC echoes the 2017 to 2018 outbreak of clade IIb mpox in Nigeria, which is now widely considered a harbinger to the unprecedented global spread of the disease a few years later.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health organizations are closely monitoring the situation in the DRC. There are calls for “swift action” from the international community to avoid another outbreak of the virus, which is now officially known as mpox. This includes providing support for surveillance, contact tracing, and targeted vaccinations to halt the spread of the new strain.
In the wake of this alarming development, it is crucial for global health authorities to act swiftly to prevent another global outbreak of the mpox virus. The lessons learned from the 2022 outbreak, coupled with the rapid identification of this new strain, provide an opportunity to contain and control the virus before it spreads further. The DRC’s lack of vaccines or therapeutics to combat the spread of the virus underscores the urgent need for international support to address this emerging health threat.
