A new strain of the Mpox virus is fast spreading along the eastern border of Democratic Republic of Congo and health officials have been worried over this while monitoring its spread.
The virus, which causes lesions across the whole body has been causing illnesses and can be deadly.
Experts have said that the current outbreak was driven by sexual transmission but there is evidence that this strain can also be passed on through close skin-to-skin contact.
It was also revealed that the new variant risks cross-border and international spread of the virus, with an expert calling it the “most dangerous strain yet”.
A global epidemic of Mpox which struck in 2022 was brought under control by vaccinating vulnerable groups.
But in DR Congo, there is poor access to vaccines and treatments. Local health officials have warned that the virus could reach other countries.
Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, have been on the rise in the African country for decades. Official figures from WHO have revealed that there have been nearly 8,000 cases in DR Congo alone, including 384 deaths.
The global outbreak of Mpox that spread through Europe and America in 2022 was sexually transmitted and encouraged by men who have sex with men. It was caused by the Clade II Mpox virus.
This new strain however, is more deadly but distinct from other outbreaks which have previously affected the region since it can be spread through non-sexual contact, which makes it more dangerous.
A healthcare worker looking after an infected patient had reportedly lost her sight after becoming infected herself.
In DR Congo the case to date revealed that the new strain had a mortality rate of 4% in adults and 10% in children.
African researchers have meanwhile, called for urgent action to improve research into the Mpox virus and ramp up the distribution of vaccines.
