The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its alert level to the highest global warning in response to a resurgence of monkeypox cases.
A More Virulent Strain
This new outbreak is fueled by a more severe strain of the virus, which has sparked international concern due to its increased mortality rate and broader transmission routes, according to Liternaute.
Monkeypox, or Mpox, has returned with a more virulent strain that spreads more easily through non-sexual contact, affecting both families and heterosexual populations.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported over 11,000 cases and 450 deaths, with other African countries such as Burundi, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda also affected.
Health Officials Remain Vigilant
In the United States, monkeypox cases have been relatively stable compared to the spikes observed in 2022.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. experienced a significant outbreak of monkeypox in 2022, with over 30,000 cases reported across various states.
As of early 2024, case numbers have decreased significantly, with fewer than 200 cases reported in the first quarter of the year.
However, health officials remain vigilant, as the virus still poses a risk, particularly in communities with higher exposure rates.
The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely and has provided guidelines for reducing the risk of infection. Vaccination efforts have been ramped up, focusing on high-risk groups, including those with close contact to confirmed cases and individuals in certain high-risk settings. The U.S. government has also been working to increase vaccine availability and public education to curb the spread of the virus.
