Mpox Outbreak: Will Vaccines Work Against New Deadlier Strain of Monkeypox? Here’s What Experts Said
Scientists are raising alarms about the effectiveness of existing vaccines against a new, deadlier strain of mpox, known as clade 1b. 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’.
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
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