2024-04-21 04:00:02
Kamituga (DR Congo) – A new strain of monkeypox with “pandemic potential” has been discovered in a Congolese mining town. Research results lead us to fear the worst – that’s why the new mutation “Clade 1b” is so dangerous.
The monkey cups have mutated. The new pathogen spreads quickly. (Symbolic image) © Arun SANKAR / AFP
Scary news from the Congo: the Mpox virus has been wreaking havoc for several weeks (also Monkeypox called) in the African country. More than 3,500 people have been infected and 264 people have died, the newspaper reported Telegraph with reference to figures from the WHO.
But it may have been a taste of what the world might expect. The new mutation “Clade 1b” was discovered for the first time in a particularly violent outbreak of monkeypox in the gold mining town of Kamituga in the east of the country.
Up to ten percent of all infected died from “Clade 1”, the precursor to the new mutation. The new “Clade 1b” virus is probably not less deadly, but much more contagious, warns an international research group.
Monkeypox
One year of monkeypox in Europe: viruses can mutate and become even more dangerous
100 people are said to have already been infected with the new pathogen, and dozens have already died. But the number of unreported cases may be much higher: many of those affected do not seek medical attention for fear of hostility.
Advertisement
Mpox: New variant “Clade 1b” spreads rapidly in Congo
“Clade 1b” was discovered in the mining town of Kamituga in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Symbolic image) © STRINGER / AFP
Because there are many sex workers and day laborers in the gold mining town, researchers fear that Kamituga’s “highly mobile” population might be the perfect breeding ground for a pandemic.
Scientists are extremely concerned regarding the danger of the new variant: “If no intervention is taken, this localized Mpox outbreak has the potential to spread nationally and internationally,” says a recently published report Study.
It is believed that “Clade 1b” first appeared in rodents sometime between July and June 2023 and then spread to humans via an intermediate host.
Monkeypox
Highest alert level: Monkeypox remains a global health emergency
The virus spreads especially through sexual contact. Those affected and doctors report painful skin irritations, chills and flu-like symptoms.
1713680888
#deadly #strain #monkeypox #discovered #Congo
