Lethal Strain of Monkeypox Sparks Health Crisis in the DRC – Medriva

With the world still grappling with the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, another health crisis looms. Health officials and experts are increasingly worried about the spread of a lethal strain of monkeypox, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The virus variant, known as Clade I, is more virulent and poses a risk of human-to-human transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed grave concerns about the outbreak and its changing epidemiology in the DRC.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health alert regarding this more lethal strain of monkeypox. The outbreak in the DRC has sickened nearly 13,000 people and caused 581 suspected deaths. Cases are believed to be spread via sexual contact, raising fears about its potential for widespread transmission. The situation in the DRC has led to a significant increase in suspected monkeypox cases and deaths, blindsiding health experts globally.

In response to this health crisis, the CDC has instructed clinicians to be vigilant and notify state health departments of any travelers with symptoms similar to monkeypox. The CDC has also emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance and testing in the United States. While there is currently no known risk for Clade I monkeypox in the United States, the CDC is not ruling out the possibility of it emerging in the future.

Countermeasures for Clade II infections, a less severe strain of monkeypox, are expected to be effective against Clade I infections. However, vaccine coverage in the U.S. remains low, with only 1 in 4 eligible people receiving both doses required for full protection. The CDC recommends people at risk for monkeypox to be vaccinated with two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, as two doses provide greater protection.

The response to this outbreak is being hampered by stigma, regulatory barriers, and competing disease outbreaks. This lack of urgency in providing vaccines and treatments is reminiscent of the unequal access to vaccines experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns about discrimination, particularly in the context of sexual transmission, also add to the complexity of the situation. Despite these challenges, the need for a swift and comprehensive response is imperative.

As the world continues to reel from the impacts of one pandemic, the potential for another is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our global health landscape. The situation calls for increased vigilance, improved surveillance, and a renewed emphasis on vaccination. By learning from our experiences with COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, we can hopefully prevent this outbreak from escalating into a global crisis.

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Lethal Strain of Monkeypox Sparks Health Crisis in the DRC - Medriva