The World Health Organization has declared the Mpox virus a public health emergency due to a new, potentially deadlier strain circulating in Africa. The first case of this new variant has been detected in Sweden, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing vaccinations and the need for boosters. The virus, previously known as monkeypox, has two main variants, clade I and clade II, and is spread through close contact. The surge in Africa is being driven by a new clade I variant called clade Ib, which is believed to cause more severe disease.
Since the beginning of 2023, over 22,000 cases of Mpox have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with more than 1,200 deaths. This has also spread to neighboring countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and now Sweden. Experts warn that public health authorities need to implement robust surveillance and contact-tracing strategies to detect new cases early. It is essential to understand how existing Mpox vaccines work against new variants and whether they are effective. The MVA-BN and LC16 vaccines are based on weakened versions of a related orthopoxvirus and were developed against smallpox, which has been eradicated. Existing vaccines should be equally effective against both clade II and clade I viruses, including the clade Ib variant.
Vaccination is recommended for individuals 18 and older who are at risk for Mpox, such as those who are gay, bisexual, transgender, have multiple sex partners, or engage in risky sexual behaviors. JYNNEOS is the main vaccine used in the U.S., given as a two-dose series with a four-week gap between doses. Booster doses are currently not recommended for those who have already received the vaccine unless they have occupational exposures. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that the risk of Mpox to the general American public remains low, with only a few test sites showing positive for the virus.
While the current strain of Mpox does not pose a significant threat to the U.S., it is essential to monitor the outbreak and its progression. Global efforts are needed to control the spread of Mpox in Africa, as the availability of vaccines remains limited. The CDC recommends precautions such as avoiding close contact with infected individuals, wild animals in affected areas, and contaminated materials. It is crucial to remain cautious and aware of changes in the risk level, as outbreaks in other countries can quickly spread globally. The current situation highlights the importance of global cooperation and preparedness in combating infectious diseases like Mpox.
