WHO: New Monkeypox Variant Could Reach Europe
The World Health Organization is concerned about the spread of the new Monkeypox variant. An infection with the virus, which is currently circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo, makes not only worse symptoms than its predecessor. It could also reach Europe. But that's not the biggest concern for the WHO.
A worrying new variant of the Monkeypox virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), could also 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 outbreak in 2022 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 trouble trusting authorities," says Ryan.
Infection is more severe
Infections with the new Klade Ib variant (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, according to official reports, and initially spread among sex workers. However, people are now contracting it through normal 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 Ib variant, the entire body including the head skin can be covered with pustules the size of eggs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) expresses concern about the dissemination of the severe Klade Ib Monkeypox variant, currently prevalent in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This outbreak highlights the need for improved healthcare and education facilities in Africa, areas often impacted by such diseases. The WHO emphasizes the importance of building trust between communities and health authorities to effectively combat the spread of Monkeypox and other infectious diseases.
