Number of New Mpox Strain Cases Spiked in Central Africa

A new strain of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) found in the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) earlier this June keeps spreading, raising global public health concerns. Learn more about Mpox Testing at PULSE Clinic Thailand

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Where did mpox come from?

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious virus that can spread from human to human by direct contact. It was first found in a lab monkey, but the virus can be found in a lot of wild mammals. Animal-to-human transmission is quite rare, but direct contact with people with the mpox virus can put you at major risk. Mpox is transmitted by direct contact and bodily fluid. This makes sexual intercourse put you at risk of contracting this virus.

Mpox has already been spreading in the central African countries for over two decades. It later gained global traction after new cases were found in over a hundred countries worldwide. We might have gotten this virus under control, but it is still a big public health concern in west and central Africa.

The new strain could be the most dangerous one so far.

A new strain of mpox called clade 1b erupted, and this could be the most dangerous one so far. This new strain is more adaptive to human-to-human transmission, making it easier to spread. Some evidence suggests this strain is also capable of skin contact transmission. 

The new strain also found its way outside DR Congo, as the new case found in Kenya was confirmed to be this same strain. This raises concerns for neighboring countries, as the borders and airports are the more prominent areas for infection. You will develop lesions all over your body once infected with this virus. The symptoms could get worse fast and could be lethal.

Over 12,000 new cases found in DR Congo

The country that suffers the most from this eruption of mpox would be DR Congo. Over 12,000 new cases were found in DR Congo, and at least 470 deaths occurred this year. The Central African Republic (CAR) also found 11,000 cases this year. The public health agencies of the affected area are now working together to stop this outbreak, as one country alone cannot stop it.

New cases were found more prominently, but not limited to sex workers and people who have sex with sex workers. Mpox is known for spreading when having sexual intercourse, but the new cases can be found in many groups of people, such as healthcare workers and children. This means mpox should be a concern for everyone. DR Congo’s health department is now planning to give these sex workers and health workers mpox vaccines to reduce the transmission. 

What happened?

Despite the effort to control the spread of mpox back in 2022, people in the affected area don't have access to vaccines and treatment as much as they should. Airports and borders also cannot stop the entry, which introduces the virus to the country as much as they should. This makes it more difficult for DR Congo to stop the outbreak. African researchers have been working on improving the strategy that can fight off the surge of mpox.

A call for action hopes to research more on the virus itself and improve the vaccine distribution. It also pointed out that public knowledge on the virus is still limited. The countries affected by the virus don't have access to treatment supplies and vaccines, and other public health issues are more of a priority, making this new strain more complicated than before.

Should you be worried?

Public health agencies responsible for dealing with this mpox are working on containing the virus in the area affected. This would help vaccination and give treatment easier, as there isn't global demand for supplies. You could have a higher risk of contracting with mpox if you:

• Traveled to the area that has an outbreak (West and Central Africa)
• Having close contact with someone who just got back from the area that has an outbreak (West and Central Africa)
• Having close contact with someone who has mpox
• Imported pets or animals from the area that has an outbreak (West and Central Africa)

There is no report of the new strain of mpox in Thailand yet. However, you should still be careful about the ones found in Thailand. The guidelines for vaccination in Thailand are now focused on people who are at higher risks of mpox. It is unlikely that you would have mpox if:

• You haven’t been to the area that has an outbreak (West and Central Africa).
• You haven’t been in close contact with someone who just got back from the area that has an outbreak (West and Central Africa) or shows signs of mpox.

You might feel like you have the flu if you have mpox. The rashes from mpox could also be confused with chickenpox when it first started. You should go to the doctor if you’re having these following symptoms:

• High fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash and blisters all over the body, usually starting on your face

These symptoms could be from other conditions, but you should be worried about having mpox if you have been to West Africa or Central Africa in the last 3 weeks. The symptoms should get better on their own in a few weeks. While you’re having the symptoms, you need to assume that you could spread mpox to other people. If the symptoms don't get better or become worse, please contact medical providers near you, as you might need treatment. This is especially for people in vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with immunocompromised conditions.

We’re here to help

Whatever you’re experiencing, you're not alone. PULSE Social Enterprise is here for any concerns and questions that you might have about your health.

From general wellness to mental well-being to sexual health, we will be sure to give you fast, reliable, and safe diagnosis, treatment, and consultation.

+66 65 237 1936   @PULSEClinic   PulseClinic