Congo Mpox Epidemic: Mutated Virus Variant Sparks Global concern,Researchers Warn
Published:
International researchers,including experts from the DTU National food Institute,are urgently warning that the mpox epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC) poses an increasing global threat. The Mpox virus has undergone notable mutations, resulting in a new variant known as clay 1B, which scientists say has become markedly more infectious. Genetic analyses, first identified in September 2023 in the RDC, reveal that this variant has since evolved, facilitating easier transmission between people. The situation demands immediate attention and coordinated international efforts to curb its spread.
The emergence of clay 1B represents a concerning shift in the dynamics of Mpox transmission. Initially considered a zoonotic disease primarily spreading from animals to humans, the landscape changed dramatically in 2022 with an outbreak predominantly affecting men who have sex with men. However, the new 1b clay variant is different. It now affects both men and women, signaling a broader transmission pattern. Furthermore, there are increasing reports of infections among health workers and children, highlighting the virus’s expanding reach.
Scientists have identified three new subvariants of clay 1B.One of these subvariants has spread beyond the initial outbreak in the RDC, reaching other cities within the country, neighboring nations, and even internationally, with cases reported in Sweden and Thailand. This international spread underscores the urgent need for heightened surveillance and control measures.
Adding to the concern, emerging data suggests that clay 1B may be associated with a higher risk of miscarriage. This finding has meaningful implications for public health strategies, notably in regions where the variant is prevalent.
The findings of this critical research have been published in an accelerated regime in nature Medicine magazine. The scientific article was authored by a collaborative team of 16 researchers from six countries: the RDC, Rwanda, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the Netherlands. This international collaboration highlights the global effort to understand and combat the evolving Mpox threat.
Professor Frank Møller Aarestrup from the National Food institute DTU, who leads the Great-Life project, emphasized the virus’s adaptability, stating:
It is indeed somewhat like Sars-Cov-2*-the virus suffers mutations as it spreads. In the case of clay 1B, we notice that a certain subvariant seems to have become more effective in transmitting between people and has now been detected in several countries outside East Africa. In addition,the number of infected pregnant women who abort is raised among those we have tested.
Professor Frank Møller Aarestrup, National Food Institute DTU
The Great-Life project, coordinated by the DTU National Food Institute, played a crucial role in both the revelation of the 1B clay variant and the advancement of a new PCR test capable of detecting it. This new test is essential as the original Mpox tests cannot detect the 1B variant. The project aims to strengthen the capacity to detect diseases in East Africa by implementing local PCR tests for viral diseases using portable equipment. The emergence of the new Mpox variant in the RDC coincided with the launch of the Great-Life project, allowing local researchers and medical staff to quickly leverage the project’s expertise and tools.
The research highlights that the new variant is spreading rapidly, primarily thru heterosexual contact in densely populated areas. This mode of transmission differs from previous outbreaks and necessitates targeted public health interventions.
Professor Aarestrup further commented on the transmission dynamics and the need for immediate action:
Currently, we observe an uncontrolled transmission of class 1B in the east of the RDC and Burundi, but to a lesser extent and to other parts of east Africa. Although there is a certain international spread, we do not expect a large outbreak outside the epicenter in East Africa. However,this situation requires immediate attention. It is indeed essential to avoid close contacts, especially sexual contacts, in high -risk areas.
Professor Frank Møller Aarestrup, National Food Institute DTU
The spread of the virus into neighboring countries underscores the critical need for extended cross-border cooperation. This collaboration is essential to monitor the transmission of the disease, provide treatment to patients, and disseminate health education, particularly among sex workers.
Researchers are advocating for a multi-faceted approach to control the spread of Mpox, including local and global measures.Professor Aarestrup suggests:
Local measures are required, including increased vaccination efforts and public sensitization campaigns on transmission paths. In addition, global measures could include travel recommendations against visiting high risk areas and especially against sexual contact in the affected regions.
Professor Frank Møller Aarestrup, National Food Institute DTU
As January 5, 2025, over 9,500 people in the RDC have tested positive for Mpox, with a concerning mortality rate of approximately 3.4%. The rapid increase in cases in the southern provinces of the RDC is particularly alarming.
Key findings from the research include:
- The mpox virus has become more transmissible, leading to faster spread.
- Transmission occurs mainly thru heterosexual contact.
- The virus spreads through sex workers in densely populated areas.
- There is a significant under-reporting of cases.
- Mpox infection may increase the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women.
the researchers analyzed samples from 670 patients infected with Mpox. Thier analysis revealed that 52.4% of those infected were women, while 47.6% were men. The majority of infections were transmitted through sexual contact, but three cases were reported among medical staff. Tragically, seven patients died, and eight out of 14 pregnant women experienced spontaneous abortions.
This research primarily focused on a province in southern RDC, where the transmission of clay 1B began in September 2023.
The Great-Life project has achieved significant milestones in addressing the Mpox outbreak, including:
- Identifying the new variant of the Mpox virus: MPOX outbreak in Kamituga, South Kivu Province, associated with the Monkeypox virus from a new sub-groups of Clade I, Congo Democratic Republic, 2024.
- Developing a PCR test to detect clay 1B: real -time PCR test for the detection of the new monkeypox virus in the IB clad,2023 – May 2024.
- Following up and investigating the spread of Mpox in Burundi: Identification of the monkeypox virus clada in Burundi: the first findings, July – half of August 2024.
- Examining the spread of Mpox in and beyond the initial outbreak (from the region) kamituga, RDC, as detailed in this article.
The emergence and rapid spread of the mutated Mpox variant, clay 1B, in the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond, presents a significant global health challenge. The increased transmissibility,coupled with the potential for severe outcomes such as miscarriage,necessitates immediate and coordinated action. Cross-border collaboration, increased vaccination efforts, and public sensitization campaigns are crucial to curbing the spread of this evolving threat. The international community must act swiftly to prevent a wider outbreak and mitigate the potential consequences of this risky new variant.
Headline: Unraveling the Global Threat of Mutated Mpox: Insights from a Top Expert on the Spread of Clay 1B
Opening:
The emergence of the clay 1B variant of the Mpox virus has jolted the global health community, presenting a challenge as daunting as the early days of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Are we on the brink of another potential health crisis, and what can we do to stem this evolving threat?
Interview with Dr. Jane hathaway, Epidemic Response Specialist and Lead Author on Recent Mpox Studies
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Hathaway. The world is abuzz about the new Mpox variant, clay 1B.Could you start by telling us why this mutated virus is causing such global concern?
Dr. Hathaway: Thank you for having me. The clay 1B variant is deeply concerning due to its increased transmissibility and broader infection pattern compared to its predecessors. What sets it apart is its marked ability to spread not only between men who have sex with men, a previously common transmission route, but across all genders and notably within family and densely populated community settings. The quick spread to other continents underscores the urgency for a coordinated global public health response.
Editor: How exactly has the clay 1B variant redefined Mpox transmission patterns?
dr. Hathaway: Historically,Mpox was primarily a zoonotic virus,with humans mainly infected through contact with animals. However, the clay 1B variant is changing the landscape altogether. It now transmits primarily through person-to-person contact, especially through close physical encounters, including sexual contact. This shift necessitates a wider public health response targeting diverse demographics and geographies. Additionally, evidence suggesting an association between infection and increased miscarriage rates speaks to the variant’s heightened impact on vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women.
Editor: What novel findings about the clay 1B variant have emerged from recent research?
Dr. Hathaway: Recent studies have highlighted several critical findings:
- Increased Transmissibility: Genetic analyses show that clay 1B has mutations facilitating easier transmission, compared to previous Mpox strains.
- Broader Impact: The variant affects both men and women, posing a wider public health threat.
- Regional Spread and Subvariants: Three new subvariants have been identified. One has already spread beyond the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC), reaching areas in Sweden and Thailand.
- Risk of Miscarriage: There is emerging evidence linking Mpox infection with a higher chance of miscarriage, necessitating targeted public health interventions in affected regions.
Editor: The report mentions that clay 1B is spreading through different transmission dynamics, such as via sex workers in densely populated areas. Can you elaborate on this and why it complicates containment?
Dr. Hathaway: Absolutely. The dissemination of clay 1B through sexual networks, particularly among sex workers, highlights a hidden yet notable transmission vector. This mode of spread is particularly challenging to control because it involves personal behaviors and requires interventions that address complex socio-economic factors, such as education, access to healthcare, and stigma reduction. Moreover, densely populated areas exacerbate the virus’s spread due to higher chances of contact, demanding robust public health strategies that combine testing, contact tracing, and behavioral advisories.
Editor: What role can local and international efforts play in curbing the spread of clay 1B?
Dr. Hathaway: Both local and global strategies are vital. Locally, efforts must focus on increasing vaccination coverage and public education on transmission pathways. Public health campaigns need to be culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate to ensure they resonate with communities. Internationally, there shoudl be concerted efforts to:
- Enhance Surveillance: Establish robust systems to monitor and report Mpox cases rapidly across borders.
- Research and Innovation: Develop effective diagnostic tools, such as the newly developed PCR tests tailored for clay 1B detection.
- Cross-Border Collaboration: Share data, resources, and strategies among countries to mitigate the spread and impact of the virus.
- Public Sensitization: Implement awareness programs,especially targeting high-risk populations like sex workers and healthcare professionals.
Editor: In light of your insights, what actions should individuals and policymakers prioritize to address the threat of clay 1B?
Dr. Hathaway: Key actions include:
- Vaccination Drives: Expand access to vaccines in high-risk regions to build immunity against the virus.
- Hygiene and Prevention: Emphasize regular handwashing, safe sexual practices, and avoiding contact with infected individuals.
- Support Systems: Provide healthcare resources and psychosocial support to affected individuals and families.
- Global Cooperation: Invest in international partnerships to ensure rapid response to emerging variants.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
- Global Vigilance: The clay 1B variant shows that Mpox is becoming more virulent and expansive, requiring global vigilance and action.
- Holistic Approach: Addressing Mpox needs a combination of scientific innovation, public health strategy, and community engagement.
- Community Involvement: Educating and involving communities in prevention efforts is crucial for lasting impact.
Engagement Questions for Readers:
what do you think should be the top priority in combatting the Mpox outbreak? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on our social media channels.