Why has the smallpox outbreak suddenly become a cause for concern?
Mpox, a viral disease that has been around for decades, is currently experiencing a surge in cases in multiple regions. The complexity of this outbreak comes from the fact that three different strains are spreading simultaneously in different populations and locations. The most affected areas are the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries, where two different clades of the virus, Ia and Ib, are of great concern. These clade strains have shown different transmission patterns and effects on different age groups, making the situation difficult to contain.
Distribution of Clade I and its impact
In the DRC, Clade I has been present for many years, affecting mainly children in the western and central regions. This variant typically spreads from animals to humans, with limited human-to-human transmission. According to a report According to Science.org, the spread has now spread to the eastern parts of the country, where it mainly affects adolescents and adults, with sexual contact being the main method of transmission. The emergence of Clade Ib, which has spread to Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi, has added to the concerns, especially with reports of cases in refugee camps.
Clade II: The global distribution
The third variant, Clade II, originated in Nigeria and is responsible for the global outbreak that began in 2022. This variant has primarily affected men who have sex with men and spreads through sexual networks. Although the initial surge in cases has subsided, the virus continues to circulate globally, with recent cases reported in Europe, the Americas, and South Africa. The different impacts of these clades highlight the need for a nuanced approach to containment and treatment.
Mortality rates and transmission differences
The mortality rates between the clades have raised questions, with Clade I initially reported as more lethal than Clade II in the DRC. However, recent studies suggest that the differences may be due to varying conditions in the affected regions, such as access to health care and the health status of the population. The mode of transmission also plays a crucial role, with non-sexual transmission leading to more severe cases.
Why is Mpox spreading now?
The resurgence of Mpox can be attributed to several factors, including the decline in immunity following the end of smallpox vaccination and increased human encroachment into wildlife habitats. The combination of these factors, along with population growth and increased mobility, has created an environment conducive to the spread of the virus. As researchers continue to study the virus, understanding these dynamics will be essential to controlling the outbreak.
