Following the rapid spread of HMPV cases in China, a new strain of Mpox-Clade 1b- has emerged. In addition to fatigue and fever, it presents other symptoms that must be taken into account.
A new mutated Mpox strain has been detected. Just after the panic related to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) began to subside, Chinese health authorities declared on Thursday that a new mutated strain of mpox clade 1b had been found in the country. According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a cluster outbreak of subclade Ib was found that began with the infection of a foreigner who has a history of travel and residence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Four more cases were subsequently diagnosed in people who were in close contact with the infected person.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. There are two distinct clades of the virus: clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb). In 2022-2023, the clade IIb strain caused a global mpox outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
Mpox: symptoms for prevention
- Skin rash or mucosal lesions.
- Fever
- Headache
- muscle pain
- backache
- Low energy
- Swollen nymphatic ganglia
The rash may begin to appear a few days after contracting the virus. It can last from 2 to 4 weeks depending on each person. These can often be painful and filled with pus.
Mpox Prevention
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Keep hand sanitizers on hand
- Wear a mask and cover injuries.
- Keep skin dry and uncovered.
- Eat a healthy diet to boost immunity.
- Keep the environment clean
- In case of contagion, isolate yourself to avoid contagion.
How does Mpox spread?
Mpox can be transmitted through close contact with the infected person. According to the WHO, during pregnancy, the virus can be transmitted to the fetus or newborn during or after birth. The variant has spread from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to neighboring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, prompting the WHO to declare an emergency.
Animal-to-human transmission of mpox occurs from infected animals to humans through bites or scratches. The WHO recommends taking the Mpox vaccine.
