‘Deadliest’ mpox variant spreads in multiple African countries
A particularly severe variant of mpox, previously confined to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has now spread to multiple African countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Variant Details:
Name: Clade I (previously known as the Congo Basin clade).
Severity: This variant is more severe and has a higher fatality rate compared to other strains.
It has a fatality rate of around 5% in adults and 10% in children.
Spread and Impact:
Transmission: The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person or animal, their body fluids, or through close physical contact.
About mpox
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as the virus that causes smallpox.
Prevention:
Vaccination: The smallpox vaccine provides some protection against mpox.
The MVA-BN vaccine is about 86% effective at reducing the risk of mpox illness.
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for mpox, but antiviral drugs like tecovirimat can be used to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
