A U.S. resident who recently traveled to eastern Africa has been identified as the first confirmed case of a new form of mpox in the United States.
This new variant of mpox, a rare viral disease linked to the same family as smallpox, has recently emerged and is causing concern among health officials. The World Health Organization reported over 3,100 cases of this newly identified form since late September. The individual diagnosed with the virus traveled to eastern Africa and was subsequently treated in Northern California upon returning to the U.S., as per the California Department of Public Health.
Fortunately, the individual’s condition is improving, and officials assure that the risk to the public remains low. The patient is currently isolating at home to prevent any potential spread. Mpox traditionally has been endemic to regions in Africa, transmitted through bites from rodents or small animals. However, this new form of the virus is believed to spread through close contact, including sexual transmission.
In severe cases, mpox can lead to lesions on various parts of the body, including the face, hands, chest, and genitals, though milder cases may present with just fever and body aches. The new form, primarily observed in eastern and central Africa, has been identified in travelers to several countries outside of Africa, including Germany, India, and the United Kingdom.
The earlier outbreak of mpox in 2022 predominantly affected gay and bisexual men, but the current outbreak demonstrates a different pattern of transmission. The new form of mpox has not led to widespread infection outside Africa, with transmission outside the continent largely contained among travelers who had been to affected regions.
Health authorities in Congo and other African countries are actively working to control the spread of the virus. According to the Africa CDC, there is an urgent need for millions of vaccine doses to curb the spread, notably highlighting the vulnerabilities of children, pregnant women, and other at-risk groups.
While the emergence of the new mpox variant in the U.S. highlights a potential public health challenge, the containment measures and vaccination efforts in Africa are crucial steps toward controlling its spread.
Source: Fox13news
