U.S. health officials announced on Saturday the confirmation of the first American case of a new form of mpox, a disease newly identified in eastern Congo. The individual, who had traveled to eastern Africa, received treatment in Northern California and is currently showing improving symptoms. Authorities have assessed that the risk to the general public remains low.
Upon returning, the patient isolated at home as a precautionary measure. Health workers are diligently reaching out to close contacts to monitor and prevent any potential spread of the virus.
Mpox is a rare illness caused by a virus related to the one responsible for smallpox. It is typically endemic in certain regions of Africa, where transmission often occurs through bites from rodents or small animals. Common symptoms include fever, chills, and body aches, while more severe cases can lead to lesions on the face, hands, chest, and genitals.
Earlier this year, scientists identified a new form of mpox in Africa that spreads primarily through close contact, including sexual transmission. This strain has seen significant transmission in eastern and central Africa. However, instances of the virus spreading through travelers outside the continent have been minimal, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Since late September, the World Health Organization has reported over 3,100 confirmed cases of this new mpox strain, predominantly in Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Additionally, travelers have been diagnosed with the virus in countries such as Germany, India, Kenya, Sweden, Thailand, Zimbabwe, and the United Kingdom.
Recent reports indicate that the situation in Congo is stabilizing. The Africa CDC has estimated a need for at least 3 million mpox vaccines to curb the spread within Congo, with an additional 7 million vaccines required for the rest of Africa. The primary modes of transmission remain sexual contact and close interactions among vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women.
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U.S. health officials report 1st case of new form of mpox in traveler
cgtn.com
