A New Strain Emerges in Asia
Thailand has confirmed the first known case of a more contagious and potentially deadlier strain of the monkeypox virus in Asia. This new strain, known as Clade Ib, is concerning due to its increased transmissibility and potential for severe illness.
The infected individual, a 66-year-old European who had traveled to Thailand from Africa, marks the second case of Clade Ib outside of Africa. The first case was reported in Sweden a week prior. This new strain is believed to be more contagious than previous strains and can be transmitted through infected animals, close physical contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated items.
Children are particularly vulnerable to this new strain due to their weaker immune systems and lack of vaccination against smallpox, which offers some protection against monkeypox. In Africa, many children have not received the smallpox vaccine, increasing their risk of infection. Additionally, crowded living conditions and poor nutrition further exacerbate the risk of transmission among children.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and has launched a global strategic preparedness and response plan. This plan aims to control the outbreak through comprehensive surveillance, response strategies, research, and equitable access to medical countermeasures.
As of July, over 99,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of monkeypox, including 208 deaths, have been reported from 116 countries. The WHO urges manufacturers to increase monkeypox vaccine production and calls on countries with vaccine stockpiles to donate them to affected regions.
8 Comments
Karamba
Hope this news prompts people to take health guidelines more seriously—prevention is better than cure!
Matzomaster
It’s great to see the call for increased vaccine production. Access to vaccines can save lives!
Rotfront
Honestly, this sounds like just another attempt to control people with fear. Can we get some perspective here?
Karamba
We must support affected regions through vaccination drives and public health initiatives!
Loubianka
Let’s not underestimate the threats posed by viruses like monkeypox, especially with increased travel.
Noir Black
They keep saying it’s more contagious, but is that really true? Where’s the concrete evidence?
Eugene Alta
PHEIC is a necessary declaration. We need to mobilize resources before this gets out of hand!
Evgen II
Seems like this is all just fear-mongering. Are we really that susceptible to every new strain that comes along?