Deadliest MPOX Virus From Africa Is Spreading. Should You Be Worried?

A severe strain of mpox virus, previously causing panic in Democratic Republic of Congo, is now spreing rapidly through Kenya and several or African nations, prompting serious concern among health authorities.

World Health Organization has confirmed that this virulent variant poses a significant health threat. In Kenya, a truck driver who travelled through Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania was identified with this strain on July 29, according to Ministry of Health.

Sharing on X, Dr. Tedros hanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, informed, "As a delier strain of #mpox spres to multiple African countries, @WHO, @AfricaCDC, local governments and partners are furr scaling up response to interrupt disease transmission. But more funding and support for a comprehensive response are needed."

Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that this strain has been detected in ten African countries this year, with Burundi and Rwanda recently confirming ir first cases of mpox. outbreak underscores a troubling expansion of virus across continent.

What Monkeypox virus?

Mpox, a zoonotic disease caused by monkeypox virus, belongs to same family as smallpox virus. It spres through direct contact with an infected person or animal, including through bodily fluids or close physical contact such as kissing or sex. virus can enter body through broken skin, respiratory tract, or mucous membranes such as eyes, nose, or mouth.

Aftermath of spre of dely mpox variant

Recent reports indicate that 130 children and teenagers in refugee camps in DRC have contracted this highly contagious new strain. Known as cle 1b, this variant causes more severe illness compared to cle II strain responsible for global outbreak in 2022. Cle 1b has a fatality rate of approximately 5 per cent in ults and 10 per cent in children, whereas cle II h a fatality rate of about 3 per cent.

This new strain, cle 1b, shows mutations that eve detection by existing tests, making it more challenging to control. Mpox viruses are classified into two main cles: cle I (formerly Congo Basin cle) and cle II (formerly West Africa cle), with cle II furr divided into subcles IIa and IIb.

Symptoms of Mpox

Mpox symptoms begin with fever, chills, heache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. A rash typically emerges on face and n spres to or parts of body, resembling chickenpox or syphilis, and eventually forms scabs.

incubation period for mpox ranges from 6 to 13 days but can vary between 5 and 21 days. Travelers should isolate mselves for approximately three weeks, or until scabs fall off, to prevent spreing virus.

Preventive steps

To reduce risk of infection, avoid skin contact with individuals showing symptoms or a rash. Regular hand washing with soap and water, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, is crucial. Also, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid unprotected sex with individuals who may be infected.