US health officials report 1st case of new form of mpox in a traveler
November 16, 2024
U.S. health officials have confirmed the first case of a new mpox variant in a traveler returning from eastern Africa. Treated in California, the individual is recovering, and the public risk remains low. This new form of mpox, first identified in Congo, spreads primarily through close contact, including sexual transmission, and has widely affected African nations like Burundi, Uganda, and Congo. With over 3,100 recent cases reported globally, experts emphasize the urgent need for expanded vaccination campaigns in Africa. The Africa CDC estimates 10 million vaccines are required to contain the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women.
The U.S. has confirmed its first case of a new mpox variant, identified in a traveler from eastern Africa who is now recovering in California. Health officials report the public risk is low, and efforts are underway to contact individuals who may have been exposed. This case highlights the global spread of a variant first detected in Congo earlier this year, which primarily transmits through close contact, including sexual activity.
The variant has significantly impacted Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which together account for the majority of the 3,100 global cases reported since late September. Unlike the 2022 global mpox outbreak, predominantly affecting gay and bisexual men, this outbreak has seen wider spread among children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups. Health officials note the situation in Congo is stabilizing, though challenges remain. The Africa CDC estimates at least 3 million vaccines are required for Congo alone, with an additional 7 million doses needed across the continent to halt the virus's spread.
Globally, cases linked to this variant have been reported in Germany, India, Kenya, Sweden, Thailand, Zimbabwe, and the UK, but transmission outside Africa remains limited. The World Health Organization and Africa CDC continue to advocate for increased vaccine access and targeted public health interventions to manage this variant effectively.
As the outbreak unfolds, coordinated international efforts are critical to containing its spread and protecting vulnerable populations. Expanded vaccination campaigns, alongside strengthened contact tracing and public health awareness, are key to addressing the challenges posed by this new variant. The U.S. case serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of global health and the importance of timely, comprehensive responses to emerging infectious diseases.