Health officials in the United States have confirmed the nation’s first case of a new strain of mpox in a traveler returning from eastern Africa. The individual, who was treated in Northern California, is currently isolating at home as their symptoms improve. The California Department of Public Health reports that the risk to the public remains low, and health workers are contacting close associates as a precaution.
Mpox, a rare viral disease related to smallpox, is endemic in parts of Africa and can be transmitted through bites from infected rodents or small animals. While mild cases may result in fever, chills, and body aches, severe cases can lead to lesions on the face, hands, chest, and genitals.
Earlier this year, scientists identified a new form of mpox spreading in eastern and central Africa, primarily through close contact, including sexual transmission. Despite its widespread transmission in Africa, cases detected among travelers outside the continent have been limited, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Since late September, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported over 3,100 confirmed cases of this new mpox strain, with the majority occurring in Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cases have also been reported in travelers to countries such as Germany, India, Kenya, Sweden, Thailand, Zimbabwe, and the United Kingdom.
The Africa CDC has called for at least 3 million mpox vaccines for Congo to control the outbreak and an additional 7 million doses for the rest of Africa. The disease continues to spread through sexual contact, as well as close interactions among children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups.
Health officials emphasize the importance of monitoring and responding to mpox cases to prevent further international spread. The situation in Congo shows signs of stabilizing, but global vigilance remains crucial.
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U.S. health officials report 1st case of new form of mpox in traveler
cgtn.com
