A new mpox variant, clade 1b, is spreading rapidly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with increased human-to-human transmission and risks for pregnant women. Researchers warn that the ongoing outbreak poses an increasing risk of cross-border spread.
The newly identified variant has acquired mutations that enhance human-to-human transmission, leading to rapid spread across DRC, neighboring countries, and even internationally. Genetic analysis reveals that clade 1b is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage in pregnant women.
“The virus undergoes mutations as it spreads,” says Professor Frank Møller Aarestrup from DTU National Food Institute. “Clade 1b appears to have become better at transmitting between humans, and it has now been detected in several countries outside East Africa.”
The GREAT-LIFE project, which aims to build capacity for detecting disease outbreaks in East Africa, coincided with the emergence of clade 1b. The project has developed a PCR test to detect the variant and tracked its spread to Burundi.
Key findings include:
* Increased transmissibility leading to faster spread
* Primarily spreads through heterosexual contact in densely populated areas
* Significant underreporting of cases
* Mpox infection likely increases the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women
The research has been funded by various organizations, including the EU and EDCTP. However, a distraction-filled comment section appears to be unrelated to the topic.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/new-mpox-variant-spreading-rapidly-scientists-warn-of-global-risk