Yet another strain of the virus that causes mpox might be readily spreading from person to person, according to an analysis of the pathogen’s genome. This development could further complicate efforts to halt the spread of the disease in Central Africa, which has seen a surge in infections over the past year. And it has left researchers scratching their heads over what is currently driving this surge.
I’ve been listening to TWIV on this topic. Of particular concern tho’ not mentioned directly in this article was the transmission adult to child of mpox clade IIa, presumed from casual contact.
I found this especially useful:
QUICK GUIDE TO THE STRAINS OF MONKEYPOX VIRUS Clade Ia: a strain that has been spreading in Central Africa since the virus was first discovered to infect humans in 1970. Most infections have been in children, and it was known to mainly transmit from animal to human — until recently. Clade Ib: the strain that has caused a surge of cases in Central Africa since its discovery in late 2023. Known to spread from person to person, including through sexual contact. Clade IIa: the least-studied mpox strain. It has mainly spread in Guinea, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. Modes of transmission are not fully understood; there is no documented evidence of sexual transmission, but it is likely that all forms of close contact contribute to its spread. Clade IIb: the strain responsible for the still-simmering 2022 global outbreak. Known to spread from person to person, including through sexual contact. Most affected population has been men who have sex with men.
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