Has Mpox Clade IIb Mutated in South Africa? Seven Confirmed Cases and Two Deaths in June!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 14, 2024 6 months, 1 week, 16 hours, 35 minutes ago
Mpox News: Mpox Outbreak in South Africa: A Rapid Escalation
On May 13, 2024, the South African government announced a significant public health concern: an outbreak of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. The initial case, detected in Gauteng province, had no travel history to regions with active Mpox outbreaks, raising alarms about local transmission. As of mid-June, South Africa has reported a further seven laboratory-confirmed cases and two fatalities, marking a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 28.6%. The affected provinces include Gauteng (three cases), KwaZulu-Natal (three cases), and Western Cape (one case).
Has Mpox Clade IIb Mutated in South Africa? Seven Confirmed
Cases and Two Deaths in June!
Severity and Demographics of the Cases
The cases have all been classified as severe, necessitating hospitalization. Notably, all affected individuals are male, aged between 30 and 39, and have co-morbidities such as HIV. Five out of the seven cases involve men who have sex with men, highlighting a specific vulnerable group within the population.
Genetic Analysis: Clade IIb Detected
Preliminary genetic sequencing from three of the cases has identified the presence of Clade IIb. This clade was responsible for the largest multi-country Mpox outbreak in 2022, suggesting a potentially similar threat level. Despite the absence of travel history among the confirmed cases, the detection of Clade IIb indicates that this strain is now circulating within South Africa.
https://africacdc.org/news-item/mpox-outbreak-in-south-africa/
However, many experts are now worried as to whether or not the Clade 11B Mpox strain has now mutated as all the infected are exhibiting disease severity and the two who died had the disease rapidly progressed within days.
Typically, the clade 11B Mpox strain is much milder than the clade I strain that is currently wreaking havoc in African countries like Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/ongoing-clade-i-monkeypox-outbreak-in-democratic-republic-of-congo-sparks-concern-as-lots-of-children-getting-infected
The clade 11b was what triggered a global outbreak on Mpox in late 2022 around the word.
Government and Health Agencies’ Response
In response to the outbreak, South Africa's Ministry of Health has mobilized rapid response teams to support ongoing investigations according to local
Mpox News coverages. These teams are conducting active case searches, managing existing cases, and communicating risks to the public. Contacts of confirmed cases are under a 21-day monitoring period to prevent further spread.
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On June 13, 2024, Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, met with South African health officials to assess the situation and coordinate efforts. Dr Kaseya commended the South African government’s leadership and efforts, emphasizing the necessity of securing Mpox vaccines and enhancing event-based surveillance.
A Broader African Context: Rising Mpox Cases Across the Continent
South Africa is not alone in facing this challenge. Since January 2024, seven African countries have reported Mpox cases, totaling 8,401 infections and 412 deaths. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) accounts for a staggering 97% of these cases. This alarming situation led to a high-level emergency meeting in the DRC in April 2024, where health ministers from multiple African nations and health partners discussed the urgent need for better data, cross-border disease surveillance, and coordinated medical supplies.
Understanding Mpox: Transmission and Symptoms
Mpox is a zoonotic viral disease that primarily affects humans and certain animals, including rodents and primates. It spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials, and through respiratory droplets. The disease’s symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that can lead to painful lesions. While the general population’s CFR for Mpox ranges between 0-11%, the current outbreak in South Africa has shown a much higher fatality rate.
Recent Deaths and Ongoing Concerns
The recent deaths in South Africa underscore the severity of the current outbreak. The second death, a 38-year-old man from KwaZulu-Natal, occurred less than 24 hours after the first fatality was reported. Both individuals exhibited severe symptoms, including extensive lesions and severe fatigue, and were HIV-positive, which may have contributed to their vulnerability.
Urgent Calls for Action
Health Minister Joe Phaahla has stressed the importance of early medical intervention and contact tracing. With six of the confirmed cases deemed severe and linked to pre-existing immuno-deficiencies, the situation calls for immediate and comprehensive action. The South African government aims to stockpile Tecovirimat, an antiviral drug, to be ready for rapid deployment if the outbreak worsens.
Global Implications and Need for Preparedness
The global spread of Mpox, with over 97,000 cases and 186 deaths reported in 117 countries in early 2024, illustrates the widespread nature of this viral threat. The World Health Organization’s declaration of a global health emergency in 2022, albeit lifted last year, highlighted the need for continuous vigilance and preparedness.
Moving Forward: Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
The current Mpox outbreak in South Africa serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by viral diseases. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, ensuring the availability of vaccines and antiviral treatments, and enhancing disease surveillance are crucial steps in combating this outbreak and preventing future ones. As South Africa and the broader African continent face this health crisis, coordinated efforts and international support will be vital in mitigating the impact of Mpox and safeguarding public health.
By maintaining vigilance and fostering cooperation, South Africa aims to curb the spread of Mpox and protect its citizens from further harm.
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/thailand-medical-authorities-warn-that-mpox-cases-are-once-again-rising-since-mid-april
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/mpox-infections-continue-to-rise-in-ohio-usa
