A new strain of mpox, known as clade Ib, is raising global concerns as experts warn that existing vaccines may not protect against it. The strain, a mutated version of the Congo-endemic clade I, has been spreading rapidly, with scientists noting that the virus is evolving faster than expected. Professor Marion Koopmans, director of the Pandemic and Disaster Centre at Erasmus Medical Centre, expressed uncertainty: "The honest answer is we do not know yet." Current vaccines, initially used during the 2022 global outbreak against the milder clade 2 strain, have yet to be tested on this more potent variant. Professor Dimie Ogoina of Niger Delta University highlighted the challenges of understanding mpox transmission in Africa, noting, "The vaccine effectiveness studies that have been done were in the global North for clade 2b." He called for more research, especially concerning children, who are particularly vulnerable. Despite these uncertainties, Professor Placide Mbala Kingebeni from the DRC stated, "Even if we don't have all the data regarding the efficacy, [vaccination] is something we should do." The new strain has already spread to Europe and Asia, prompting global health concerns. The World Health Organization has declared a new health emergency in response to the clade Ib outbreak, urging heightened vigilance. Mpox Outbreak in India: What Is Monkeypox Virus? Will It Trigger Next Global Pandemic? From Causes to Symptoms, Here’s All You Need To Know About the Disease.

Mpox Virus Outbreak

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)