Mpox outbreak: Has the deadly new variant reached the UK and how worried should we be?
October 22, 2024
A new, more dangerous mpox variant (Clade 1b) is causing concern as it spreads from Africa to Europe and Asia. While the UK has reported 186 cases of the less deadly Clade 2 variant since 2022 with no fatalities, the Democratic Republic of Congo faces a severe outbreak of Clade 1b. Scientists warn this new variant is mutating rapidly and proving difficult to control. In 2024, Congo has reported 19,667 cases and 575 deaths, accounting for approximately 90 percent of all African cases.
A concerning development in the global mpox outbreak is unfolding as a new, more lethal variant spreads beyond Africa's borders, with initial cases now reported in Europe and Asia. This situation presents a stark contrast between different variants and their impacts across regions.
Variant Comparison and Regional Impact:
1. United Kingdom:
- 186 total cases reported over past two years
- No fatalities recorded
- Primarily affected by Clade 2 variant since 2022
- Clade 2 known as the less deadly variant
2. African Outbreak:
- Democratic Republic of Congo most severely affected
- New Clade 1b variant causing major concerns
- Scientists report rapid mutation patterns
- Proving challenging to control
- 19,667 cases and 575 deaths in Congo in 2024
- Congo represents approximately 90% of African cases
3. Scientific Concerns:
- Clade 1b showing more aggressive characteristics
- Rapid mutation rate complicating control efforts
- Spread to new continents raising global alarm
- Scientists working to understand and control the variant
The emergence of cases in Europe and Asia marks a significant escalation in the global spread of the more dangerous Clade 1b variant. The contrast between the UK's experience with Clade 2 and Congo's struggle with Clade 1b highlights the varying severity of different mpox variants. The high concentration of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, accounting for about 90% of African cases, underscores the need for focused international attention and support in controlling this outbreak at its epicenter while preparing for potential further international spread.