U.S. prepares for possible arrival of more severe strain of mpox
September 6, 2024
The Biden administration is gearing up for the potential arrival of a more severe mpox variant, currently causing havoc in Africa. This clade 1 variant has resulted in over 600 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries.
The World Health Organization reports over 24,800 cases of this variant in 2024, leading to its declaration as a global health emergency in August. Alarmingly, Sweden and Thailand have confirmed the first cases outside Africa, both linked to travel in the region.
The Biden administration is gearing up for the potential arrival of a more severe mpox variant, currently causing havoc in Africa. This clade 1 variant has resulted in over 600 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries.
The World Health Organization reports over 24,800 cases of this variant in 2024, leading to its declaration as a global health emergency in August. Alarmingly, Sweden and Thailand have confirmed the first cases outside Africa, both linked to travel in the region.
These developments underscore the virus's potential for international spread, prompting heightened preparedness measures in the United States to address this evolving global health threat.