New mpox strain is changing fast; African scientists are ‘working blind’ to respond
August 27, 2024
The emergence of a novel mpox variant from the Democratic Republic of Congo has caught researchers off guard, evolving at an unprecedented rate and often in regions lacking the resources for proper surveillance. This rapid mutation presents a significant challenge to the scientific community, as it introduces a host of uncertainties regarding the virus's nature, potential impact, and transmission patterns.
The emergence of a novel mpox variant from the Democratic Republic of Congo has caught researchers off guard, evolving at an unprecedented rate and often in regions lacking the resources for proper surveillance. This rapid mutation presents a significant challenge to the scientific community, as it introduces a host of uncertainties regarding the virus's nature, potential impact, and transmission patterns.