Morocco Reports First Case of Novel MPOX Variant, Pioneering Detection in North Africa

2024-09-13 14:44:56

The Moroccan Ministry of Health confirmed on Thursday, September 12, the registration of the first case of the mpox virus, of the “Clade 1b” variant, on its territory. A first infection in this part of Africa.

Morocco has recorded a case of the new variant of mpox in the tourist city of Marrakech, the first case in North Africa since the WHO announced a public health alert in August, the Africa Center for Disease Control (CDC) announced on Friday, September 13.

The Africa CDC “confirms the first case of MPOX in North Africa for 2024, recorded on September 12 by the Moroccan Ministry of Health,” the Center said in a statement.

The patient who “tested positive” is “a 32-year-old man from Marrakech, currently stable and in isolation,” who “is receiving treatment,” the CDC said.

According to the Center, Moroccan authorities have activated the emergency procedure, “deployed a rapid response team and started epidemiological investigations and contact tracing.”

The patient receives “the necessary care” in Marrakech

For its part, the Moroccan Ministry of Health specified that the patient was receiving “the necessary care in a specialized medical center in Marrakech, and was in a stable state of health which does not give rise to concern.”

So far, none of the people who have been in contact with the patient are showing symptoms, according to the ministry.

The resurgence of MPOX in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but also in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency of international concern in mid-August, the highest level of alert.

Symptoms, vaccine, contamination… Everything you need to know about Mpox

The clade 1 strain, responsible for the current epidemic in Africa, is fatal in 3.6% of cases and is particularly dangerous for children, according to the WHO.

MPOX is a viral disease that spreads from animals to humans but is also transmitted through close physical contact. The disease causes fever, muscle aches and skin lesions.

According to the Africa CDC, since the beginning of the year, 26,544 cases have been reported, of which 5,732 have been confirmed and 724 deaths. The first case reported in Morocco brings to 15 the number of countries in Africa affected by the epidemic which is currently mainly present in Central Africa with 23,761 cases including 5,588 confirmed and 720 deaths.

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What⁢ are the symptoms of the mpox virus?

Here is a comprehensive and SEO-optimized article on the topic ⁢of Morocco’s first case of mpox virus:

Title: Morocco Records First Case⁤ of Mpox‍ Virus in ‌North Africa, Prompting Health Alert

Meta Description: ⁣ The Moroccan Ministry of Health confirms⁢ the first case of mpox virus, a variant of Clade 1b, in Marrakech. Learn more about the symptoms, vaccine, and contamination.

Keywords: Mpox virus, Morocco, North Africa, Clade 1b variant, health alert, public health emergency, World Health​ Organization (WHO), Africa Center for Disease Control (CDC), Marrakech, epidemiological investigations, contact tracing.

Content:

The Moroccan Ministry of Health has confirmed the ‌registration of the first case of⁣ mpox virus, a variant of Clade 1b, on its territory. The case⁢ was reported in⁣ the tourist city of ⁢Marrakech, marking the first infection in North Africa since the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a public health alert in August.

According to the Africa Center for Disease Control ⁣(CDC), ‌the ‍patient, a 32-year-old man‍ from Marrakech, ‍tested positive for the mpox virus and is currently receiving treatment in a specialized medical center. The patient’s‌ condition is stable, and ⁤no symptoms are reported among those who have been in contact with him.

The Moroccan⁤ authorities ⁣have activated the emergency procedure, deploying a rapid response team and starting epidemiological investigations and contact tracing. The Ministry of Health has assured that the patient is ​receiving the necessary care and is in a stable state of health that does not give rise to⁣ concern.

The resurgence ​of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda,​ prompted the WHO to declare a public ‍health⁢ emergency of international concern in⁢ mid-August. The Clade 1 strain, ⁢responsible for the​ current ⁣epidemic in Africa, is fatal in ‌3.6% of cases and is particularly dangerous for​ children, according to the⁤ WHO.

Symptoms of Mpox Virus:

The ⁢symptoms of the mpox virus‍ are similar to those of smallpox, but‌ are generally less severe. They include fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by the ‍development of a rash that ⁢turns into blisters. The symptoms typically appear 7-14 ‍days after exposure ⁢to the virus.

Vaccine and‌ Prevention:

There is no specific vaccine against ⁣the mpox virus, but the smallpox vaccine ​has been shown to be effective in preventing the disease. Prevention​ measures include​ avoiding ⁤contact with infected individuals, washing hands frequently, and ‍wearing protective equipment, such as masks and gloves.

Transmission and Contamination:

The mpox virus⁤ can ‍be transmitted through⁤ contact with an infected individual’s bodily fluids, such ⁤as through direct contact ‌with the rash, respiratory⁢ secretions, or contaminated clothing. The virus can also survive outside the human body for an extended period, making surface contamination a concern.

Conclusion:

The confirmation of the first⁤ case‌ of mpox virus‍ in Morocco highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between health authorities⁢ to prevent the spread of the disease. The⁣ Moroccan Ministry of Health and the Africa CDC ⁤are working closely to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.

References:

World Health Organization. (2024). Mpox.

Africa​ CDC. (2024). Mpox Outbreak in Africa.

* Moroccan Ministry of Health. (2024). First Case of Mpox Virus Confirmed in Morocco.

– What precautions can be taken to prevent the spread of the Mpox virus in North Africa?

Breakthrough in North Africa: Morocco Reports First Case of Mpox Virus Clade 1b Variant

The Moroccan Ministry of Health confirmed on September 12, 2024, that the country has recorded its first case of the Mpox virus, specifically the Clade 1b variant. This marks the first infection in North Africa, sparking concerns about the potential spread of the disease in the region.

Patient Stable and Receiving Treatment in Marrakech

The 32-year-old patient, a resident of Marrakech, is currently receiving the necessary care in a specialized medical center. According to the Moroccan Ministry of Health, the patient is in a stable condition and does not pose a concern. Contact tracing has begun, and so far, none of the individuals who have been in contact with the patient are showing any symptoms.

The Resurgence of Mpox in Africa

The Mpox virus has been on the rise in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. This prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency of international concern in mid-August, the highest level of alert.

What are the Symptoms of the Mpox Virus?

The Mpox virus causes fever, muscle aches, and skin lesions. It is a viral disease that spreads from animals to humans, as well as through close physical contact. The Clade 1 strain, responsible for the current epidemic in Africa, is fatal in 3.6% of cases and is particularly dangerous for children, according to the WHO.

Prevention and Vaccination

As the number of cases continues to rise, it is essential to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of transmission. This includes avoiding close physical contact with individuals who have been infected, washing hands regularly, and wearing personal protective equipment.

A Regional Concern

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported that since the beginning of the year, 26,544 cases have been reported, of which 5,732 have been confirmed and 724 deaths. With the first case reported in Morocco, the number of countries in Africa affected by the epidemic has risen to 15.

Stay Informed and Take Action

As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest developments and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Remember, early detection and treatment are key to preventing the spread of the Mpox virus.

SEO Keywords: Mpox virus, Clade 1b variant, Morocco, North Africa, Africa CDC, WHO, public health emergency, symptoms, prevention, vaccination, Africa, epidemiology, infectious diseases.

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