new virus variant - Who deals with new Monkeypox variant
A concerning new variant of the Monkeypox virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), could reach Europe. It is currently circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo. "That wouldn't be my biggest concern," says WHO Emergency Coordinator Mike Ryan. Rich countries have shown during the 2022 outbreak that they have the resources to contain the spread.
"My biggest concern is that the disease is spreading among populations that are severely impoverished, have limited access to healthcare, and may have trust issues with authorities," says Ryan.
Disease with new variant more severe
Infections with the new variant Klade Ib (Latin 1 b) are more severe, according to health experts in the Congo. They cause stronger rashes all over the body and longer lasting symptoms. Women have experienced miscarriages, and for children, the disease is life-threatening. No one knows how many cases there are, as only the most severely affected individuals go to the doctor.
Klade Ib has been circulating since September 2023 and, according to reports, initially spread through sex workers. However, people are now contracting it through regular contact. "We are very concerned about the outbreak," says WHO Monkeypox expert Rosamund Lewis.
For infections with Monkeypox Klade I, contact with wild animals or their meat was previously considered the main risk factor. For the global outbreak in 2022, Klade II was responsible. The majority of cases had only mild symptoms, including genital pustules. With the new variant Ib, the entire body including the head skin can be covered with pustules the size of eggs.
The World Health Organization is monitoring the spread of the Monkeypox virus variant Klade Ib closely, especially in Europe, given its potential severity and unpredictability. The Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly its health experts, have reported cases of more severe infections with Klade Ib, characterized by stronger rashes and longer-lasting symptoms. This variant has also been linked to serious complications, such as miscarriages in pregnant women and life-threatening illnesses in children.
The international community, including Switzerland and other wealthy nations, has the resources to contain the spread of Monkeypox, as demonstrated during the 2022 outbreak. However, Mike Ryan, the WHO Emergency Coordinator, expressed his greatest concern over the disease's spread among impoverished populations in Africa, where access to healthcare is limited and trust in authorities can be an issue.
The World Health Organization has emphasized the need for increased awareness, surveillance, and response measures to address the ongoing Monkeypox outbreak, particularly in regions with fewer resources and healthcare infrastructure. News outlets have been actively reporting on the situation, including the latest developments and expert opinions from professionals like Mike Ryan and WHO Monkeypox expert Rosamund Lewis.
