Scientists are concerned as the new ampox strain is evolving rapidly
A new ampox strain is evolving much faster than expected, with limited resources to monitor it. This mutated virus has caused thousands of suspected cases and hundreds of deaths.
A new ampox strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo has raised concerns as scientists say the variant is evolving much faster than expected. Meanwhile, resources to monitor it are limited.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), this new strain, called Clade IB, is a mutated version of the virus found in Congo and has caused more than 18,000 suspected cases and 615 deaths there this year.
Recently cases have also been reported in four African countries, Sweden and Thailand.
Ampox, formerly known as monkeypox, was largely ignored until a global outbreak occurred in 2022. The new clade Ib has again attracted global attention after the WHO declared it a health emergency.
Scientists have warned that the virus is mutating rapidly, complicating efforts to track and control it.
Dr. Dimi Ogoina, an infectious disease expert and chair of the World Health Organization’s Mpox emergency committee, expressed concern about limited information about the epidemic in Africa, where resources are scarce.
This new strain, driven by mutations, has shown the ability to spread rapidly in humans, which is a matter of concern for health experts.
Ampox, an orthopox virus related to smallpox, was once spread primarily through contact with infected animals. However, the new clade IB is now spreading primarily through sexual contact, especially among adults in Congo, where it initially spread among female sex workers.
The virus can also spread through close contact, which has led to cases of infection among children living in crowded conditions in displacement camps.
The World Health Organisation and scientists have highlighted the need for more research and better resources to track and tackle the outbreak.
However, many African laboratories have difficulty accessing the chemicals and supplies needed for diagnostic tests, making it difficult to confirm cases and plan effective vaccination strategies.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing conflicts in the affected areas and a strained healthcare system.
(With inputs from Reuters)