U.S. health officials have confirmed the first case of a new form of mpox, previously seen in eastern Congo, in a traveler returning from Africa. This marks the first such case in the United States. The individual, who was treated in Northern California, is now recovering with symptoms improving, and health experts have assured that the public risk remains low.
What Is Mpox?
Mpox is a rare disease caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox. While it is endemic in parts of Africa, it primarily spreads through bites from rodents or small animals. Earlier this year, a new form of mpox was reported in Africa. This variant spreads more easily through close contact, including sexual contact, unlike previous strains.
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Global Spread of the New Mpox Strain
Since the new form was identified, more than 3,100 confirmed cases have been reported. These cases are mainly in Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Additionally, cases have been recorded in several countries, including Germany, India, the UK, and Thailand.
The World Health Organization has been tracking the spread, noting that the outbreak is more widespread than previous mpox events. Although the situation in Congo seems to be stabilizing, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called for millions of mpox vaccines to help contain the virus.
Preventing Further Spread
Health authorities are working to monitor and manage the situation globally. While the risk to the U.S. population remains low, travelers must take precautions when visiting areas affected by the outbreak.
Unlike the 2022 mpox outbreak, where the majority of cases were found among gay and bisexual men, this new strain appears to have a broader transmission route.
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