PAHO Issues Alert on New Mpox Variant

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an alert regarding a new variant of the mpox virus, Clade 1b, that is spreading in Africa and poses a potential risk to the Americas. This variant has been linked to a significant rise in infections, particularly among children, with reported cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo surpassing 14,000 this year alone. The variant has a concerning 10% mortality rate in children and has crossed borders into countries like Burundi, Rwanda, and Kenya. Global health authorities are calling for enhanced surveillance and genomic testing to prepare for possible introduction into the Americas. The World Health Organization may declare a new international health emergency as cases in Africa continue to rise, highlighting the need for a collaborative response to this health threat. Experts warn that historical patterns of mpox transmission are changing, necessitating urgent preventive measures to avoid widespread outbreaks.