In the United Kingdom, a dozen cases of a highly dangerous and transmissible strain of Mpox have been reported. Most of these cases were in individuals who either recently travelled from Africa or those who have been in close contact with someone who had Mpox. However, the latest case was detected in someone who does not fit either of the bills.
The identification of the Mpox strain in someone who has no travel history or links to other cases of the disease has sparked fears that the Clade 1b strain of Mpox could be silently sweeping across the UK.
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<h2>Clade 1b</h2>
The Clade 1b strain is believed to be the more dangerous and transmissible strain of Mpox. Latest case of teh Mpox strain has been detected in a person from the North East.
Given the patient's lack of travel history to Africa and links to any other patients, experts fear the the new, more dangerous strain of Mpox may be sweeping across the UK.
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Speaking to the Telegraph, Dr Krutika Kuppalli, associate professor in the division of infectious diseases at the University of Texas Southwestern said: "The detection of clade 1b mpox in the UK without any known travel history or reported links to prior confirmed cases is concerning because it suggests possible undetected community transmission. This means the virus may already be circulating locally, beyond the scope of current surveillance efforts."
"It also raises concerns about the potential for undetected spread amongst asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic individuals."&nbsp;
<h2>Under investigation</h2>
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), as per Mirror, said that it was investigating where the latest patient may have caught the infection.
Dr Gillian Armstrong, UKHSA Mpox Incident Director, said that "the risk to the UK population from mpox remains low."
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"The majority of people who have presented with symptoms report close physical contact, including massages, or sex prior to developing symptoms. Regardless of whether you have travelled or not, it is important to remain alert to the risks. Anyone who thinks they may have mpox should contact NHS 111 for advice on what to do.
"While mpox infection is mild for many, it can be severe for some, and UKHSA is committed to preventing its spread within the UK," he added.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Discover the potential spread of the dangerous Mpox Clade b strain in the UK, as experts fear undetected community transmission could be occurring without clear links.

In the United Kingdom, a dozen cases of a highly dangerous and transmissible strain of Mpox have been reported. Most of these cases were in individuals who either recently travelled from Africa or those who have been in close contact with someone who had Mpox. However, the latest case was detected in someone who does not fit either of the bills. The identification of the Mpox strain in someone who has no travel history or links to other cases of the disease has sparked fears that the Clade 1b strain of Mpox could be silently sweeping across the UK. Also read | Jammu and Kashmir: Amit Shah chairs high-level meeting to review developmental projects Clade 1b The Clade 1b strain is believed to be the more dangerous and transmissible strain of Mpox. Latest case of teh Mpox strain has been detected in a person from the North East. Given the patient's lack of travel history to Africa and links to any other patients, experts fear the the new, more dangerous strain of Mpox may be sweeping across the UK. Also read | Navy SEAL Jonny Kim blasts off to space aboard Russian Soyuz capsule. Who is he? Speaking to the Telegraph, Dr Krutika Kuppalli, associate professor in the division of infectious diseases at the University of Texas Southwestern said: "The detection of clade 1b mpox in the UK without any known travel history or reported links to prior confirmed cases is concerning because it suggests possible undetected community transmission. This means the virus may already be circulating locally, beyond the scope of current surveillance efforts." "It also raises concerns about the potential for undetected spread amongst asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic individuals." Under investigation The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), as per Mirror, said that it was investigating where the latest patient may have caught the infection. Dr Gillian Armstrong, UKHSA Mpox Incident Director, said that "the risk to the UK population from mpox remains low." Also read | Traders see five Fed cuts in 2025 and the risk of an emergency move "The majority of people who have presented with symptoms report close physical contact, including massages, or sex prior to developing symptoms. Regardless of whether you have travelled or not, it is important to remain alert to the risks. Anyone who thinks they may have mpox should contact NHS 111 for advice on what to do. "While mpox infection is mild for many, it can be severe for some, and UKHSA is committed to preventing its spread within the UK," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Dangerous Mpox strain Clade 1b may be spreading undetected in UK: Report

Thailand reported a suspected first case of the new, more dangerous strain of Mpox on Wednesday (Aug 21), which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global public health emergency.

The suspected patient landed in Bangkok on August 14 and was sent to hospital with Mpox symptoms the following morning, said Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, head of the kingdom's Department of Disease Control.

However laboratory tests are underway to confirm the strain, but officials believe it to be from Clade 1. A 66-year-old European, who travelled to Thailand from an African country, has been quarantined for now and is under observation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-is-not-the-new-covid-as-authorities-can-control-its-spread-stresses-who-751653">Mpox is not the new Covid as authorities can control its spread, stresses WHO</a>

"We have done a test and it is definitely mpox and not Clade 2," Thongchai told AFP.

"We are confident that the person has the Clade 1 variant, but we need to wait two more days for the final lab results to confirm," he said.

Health officials are monitoring 42 people who came into close contact with the patient, Thongchai told a news conference.

It may be mentioned here that Mpox cases and deaths are surging in Africa, where outbreaks have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda since July.

The disease, caused by a virus transmitted from infected animals and spread between humans through close physical contact, results in fever, muscle aches, and large boil-like skin lesions.

While mpox has been known for decades, a new more deadly and more transmissible strain -- known as Clade 1b -- has driven the recent surge in cases.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mpox-india-update-centre-tells-international-airports-to-be-vigilant-751404" target="_blank">Mpox scare: Indian govt tells international airports to be vigilant about passengers with symptoms</a>

Clade 1b causes death in about 3.6 percent of cases, with children more at risk, according to the WHO.

DR Congo has reported more than 16,000 cases and 500 deaths this year. On August 15 Sweden reported the first confirmed Clade 1 case outside Africa.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thailand reported a suspected first case of the new, more dangerous strain of Mpox on Wednesday (Aug 21), which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global public health emergency.

Thailand reported a suspected first case of the new, more dangerous strain of Mpox on Wednesday (Aug 21), which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global public health emergency. The suspected patient landed in Bangkok on August 14 and was sent to hospital with Mpox symptoms the following morning, said Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, head of the kingdom's Department of Disease Control. However laboratory tests are underway to confirm the strain, but officials believe it to be from Clade 1. A 66-year-old European, who travelled to Thailand from an African country, has been quarantined for now and is under observation. Also read: Mpox is not the new Covid as authorities can control its spread, stresses WHO "We have done a test and it is definitely mpox and not Clade 2," Thongchai told AFP. "We are confident that the person has the Clade 1 variant, but we need to wait two more days for the final lab results to confirm," he said. Health officials are monitoring 42 people who came into close contact with the patient, Thongchai told a news conference. It may be mentioned here that Mpox cases and deaths are surging in Africa, where outbreaks have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda since July. The disease, caused by a virus transmitted from infected animals and spread between humans through close physical contact, results in fever, muscle aches, and large boil-like skin lesions. While mpox has been known for decades, a new more deadly and more transmissible strain -- known as Clade 1b -- has driven the recent surge in cases. Also read | Mpox scare: Indian govt tells international airports to be vigilant about passengers with symptoms Clade 1b causes death in about 3.6 percent of cases, with children more at risk, according to the WHO. DR Congo has reported more than 16,000 cases and 500 deaths this year. On August 15 Sweden reported the first confirmed Clade 1 case outside Africa. (With inputs from agencies)

Thailand reports suspected case of Mpox strain

Amid fears over a potential mpox global outbreak, India held a high-level meeting on Sunday&nbsp;(Aug&nbsp;18) to assess its preparedness.&nbsp;

The latest assessment presented at the crucial meeting led by the Prime Minister's Principal Secretary, P K Mishra, shows that since March 2024, the nation has had no reports of cases of mpox. Furthermore, it was noted that "the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low".

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:146,&quot;w&quot;:645,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1896}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-crisis-who-pushes-for-mpox-vaccine-production-surge-as-death-toll-in-drc-nears-550-751115">Mpox crisis: WHO pushes for scaling up mpox vaccine production as death toll in DRC nears 550</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:199,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1949}">Global mpox scare</h2>

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). As per reports, the virus has already spread to 12 African nations. Moreover, cases have been reported from Pakistan and Sweden. Despite this global alert, at the moment, India remains unaffected by a large-scale outbreak.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:330,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2080}">PM Modi's ongoing oversight</h2>

As per a press release about the high-level meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "has been continuously monitoring the mpox situation."

It was noted that mpox is generally a self-limiting illness, with symptoms typically lasting two to four weeks. Most patients recover with proper care. The disease mainly spreads through close, prolonged contact with an infected person.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:83,&quot;y&quot;:276,&quot;w&quot;:484,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:116,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2026}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-crisis-virus-cases-logged-in-africa-this-year-exceed-last-years-total-751083">Mpox crisis: Virus cases logged in Africa this year exceed last year's total</a>

To prepare, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on August 12 held an expert meeting, where it evaluated the risk for India and outlined the necessary precautions.&nbsp;

"A Communicable Disease (CD) alert on mpox issued earlier by the NCDC is being updated to capture the newer developments," states the press release.

Furthermore, health teams at international airports (Ports of Entry) have been "sensitised".

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:623,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2373}">Global mpox data</h2>

Worldwide, the WHO has reported 99,176 mpox cases and 208 deaths across 116 countries since 2022. However, as per latest data, the Democratic Republic of Congo has seen a sharp rise in cases, with over 15,664 suspected cases and 548 deaths this year alone, exceeding last year's figures.

In India, there have been 30 mpox cases since the WHO's Public Health Emergency of International Concern declaration in 2022, with the latest case detected in March 2024.&nbsp;

Amid fears over a potential mpox global outbreak, India held a high-level meeting on Sunday (Aug 18) to assess its preparedness. The latest assessment presented at the crucial meeting led by the Prime Minister's Principal Secretary, P K Mishra, shows that since March 2024, the nation has had no reports of cases of mpox.

Amid fears over a potential mpox global outbreak, India held a high-level meeting on Sunday (Aug 18) to assess its preparedness. The latest assessment presented at the crucial meeting led by the Prime Minister's Principal Secretary, P K Mishra, shows that since March 2024, the nation has had no reports of cases of mpox. Furthermore, it was noted that "the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low". Also read | Mpox crisis: WHO pushes for scaling up mpox vaccine production as death toll in DRC nears 550 Global mpox scare The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). As per reports, the virus has already spread to 12 African nations. Moreover, cases have been reported from Pakistan and Sweden. Despite this global alert, at the moment, India remains unaffected by a large-scale outbreak. PM Modi's ongoing oversight As per a press release about the high-level meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "has been continuously monitoring the mpox situation." It was noted that mpox is generally a self-limiting illness, with symptoms typically lasting two to four weeks. Most patients recover with proper care. The disease mainly spreads through close, prolonged contact with an infected person. Also read | Mpox crisis: Virus cases logged in Africa this year exceed last year's total To prepare, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on August 12 held an expert meeting, where it evaluated the risk for India and outlined the necessary precautions. "A Communicable Disease (CD) alert on mpox issued earlier by the NCDC is being updated to capture the newer developments," states the press release. Furthermore, health teams at international airports (Ports of Entry) have been "sensitised". Global mpox data Worldwide, the WHO has reported 99,176 mpox cases and 208 deaths across 116 countries since 2022. However, as per latest data, the Democratic Republic of Congo has seen a sharp rise in cases, with over 15,664 suspected cases and 548 deaths this year alone, exceeding last year's figures. In India, there have been 30 mpox cases since the WHO's Public Health Emergency of International Concern declaration in 2022, with the latest case detected in March 2024.

India's mpox update: India safe, no new cases since March; high-level meeting finds ‘low outbreak risk’

The Union Health Ministry has asked all airports as well as authorities at land ports on borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to remain alert about incoming international passengers reporting Mpox symptoms, official sources said on Sunday.

The ministry has identified three Central government-run hospitals -- Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung and Lady Hardinge -- in the national capital as nodal centres for isolation, management, and treatment of any patient with Mpox.

All state governments have been asked to identify such designated hospitals under their jurisdiction, the sources said.

P K Mishra, the principal secretary to the prime minister, chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to review the country's preparedness for Mpox amid enhanced surveillance for prompt detection. 
 
Officials said there is no reported case of Mpox in the country as of now. As per the current assessment, the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low, they said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:278,&quot;w&quot;:641,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2028}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mpox-update-india-stays-safe-no-new-cases-since-march-high-level-meeting-finds-low-outbreak-risk-751191">India's mpox update: India safe, no new cases since March; high-level meeting finds ‘low outbreak risk’</a>

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in view of its prevalence and spread across many parts of Africa. 
 
"The virus strain this time is different and is more virulent and infectious. But the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low in the country as per the current assessment," an official source said.

The health ministry has directed officials to enhance surveillance and take effective measures for prompt detection of Mpox cases. It has stressed that the network of testing laboratories should be geared up for early diagnosis of the disease.

At present, 32 laboratories in the country are equipped for testing Mpox.

Mishra&nbsp;said protocols for prevention and treatment of the disease should be disseminated on a large scale, stressing the importance of running an awareness campaign among healthcare providers about the signs and symptoms of the disease and the need for timely notification to the surveillance system.

An earlier statement from the WHO stated that 99,176 cases and 208 deaths had been reported due to Mpox from 116 countries globally since 2022.

Mpox cases have been steadily increasing in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Last year, the number of reported cases around the world increased significantly. This year, the number of cases reported so far has already exceeded last year's total, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths.

Since 2022, around thirty Mpox cases have been reported in India. The last case of Mpox was detected in March 2024.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

The Union Health Ministry has asked all airports as well as authorities at land ports on borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to remain alert about incoming international passengers reporting Mpox symptoms, official sources said on Sunday.

The Union Health Ministry has asked all airports as well as authorities at land ports on borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to remain alert about incoming international passengers reporting Mpox symptoms, official sources said on Sunday. The ministry has identified three Central government-run hospitals -- Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung and Lady Hardinge -- in the national capital as nodal centres for isolation, management, and treatment of any patient with Mpox. All state governments have been asked to identify such designated hospitals under their jurisdiction, the sources said. P K Mishra, the principal secretary to the prime minister, chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to review the country's preparedness for Mpox amid enhanced surveillance for prompt detection. Officials said there is no reported case of Mpox in the country as of now. As per the current assessment, the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low, they said. Also read | India's mpox update: India safe, no new cases since March; high-level meeting finds ‘low outbreak risk’ The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in view of its prevalence and spread across many parts of Africa. "The virus strain this time is different and is more virulent and infectious. But the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low in the country as per the current assessment," an official source said. The health ministry has directed officials to enhance surveillance and take effective measures for prompt detection of Mpox cases. It has stressed that the network of testing laboratories should be geared up for early diagnosis of the disease. At present, 32 laboratories in the country are equipped for testing Mpox. Mishra said protocols for prevention and treatment of the disease should be disseminated on a large scale, stressing the importance of running an awareness campaign among healthcare providers about the signs and symptoms of the disease and the need for timely notification to the surveillance system. An earlier statement from the WHO stated that 99,176 cases and 208 deaths had been reported due to Mpox from 116 countries globally since 2022. Mpox cases have been steadily increasing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Last year, the number of reported cases around the world increased significantly. This year, the number of cases reported so far has already exceeded last year's total, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths. Since 2022, around thirty Mpox cases have been reported in India. The last case of Mpox was detected in March 2024. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Mpox scare: Indian govt tells international airports to be vigilant about passengers with symptoms

An outbreak of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has claimed more than 500 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as per reports.&nbsp;

The virus, which is rapidly spreading to neighbouring countries, has prompted fears of a global health crisis, even as over seven million displaced high-risk people in the DRC await vaccine.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:116,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1866}">Mpox deaths in DRC</h2>

According to a China Central Television report citing Health Minister Roger Kamba, since the beginning of 2024, the DRC has reported 15,664 suspected cases and 548 deaths.

The country has been grappling with the ongoing outbreak since late 2022, but the emergence of a more lethal variant, Clade 1b — which has a mortality rate of 3.6 per cent — has exacerbated the situation.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:83,&quot;y&quot;:276,&quot;w&quot;:484,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:116,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2026}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-crisis-virus-cases-logged-in-africa-this-year-exceed-last-years-total-751083">Mpox crisis: Virus cases logged in Africa this year exceed last year's total</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:311,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2061}">Challenges in DRC displacement camps</h2>

In DRC, as per AFP, the situation is particularly dire in makeshift camps. These camps, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, house at least 7.3 million internally displaced people, and are hence overcrowded. These conditions heighten the risk of transmission.&nbsp;

Contagious people continue to stay in close quarters, despite the risks, as health workers struggle to enforce prevention measures.

"My son was hospitalised here for mpox, and my daughter was looking after him. After they got out on a Sunday, my daughter began showing the same symptoms by Wednesday," said Deogracias Mahombi Sekabanza, a health worker from Goma.

Furaha Makambo, a mother of three, shared her fears from a nearby tent where her children sleep together, making it impossible to prevent cross-infection. "We are scared, this disease needs to be eradicated so that it stops reaching the displaced because it can exterminate us," she said while speaking to AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-crisis-updates-pakistan-adopts-safety-measures-who-says-no-need-to-close-borders-750836">Mpox crisis updates: Pakistan adopts safety measures; WHO says no need to close borders</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:623,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2373}">Global health emergency and vaccine urgency</h2>

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday (August 14) declared the mpox surge a public health emergency of international concern — its highest alert level as the virus spreads beyond the DRC. Already, 12 African countries and nations outside Africa, like Pakistan and&nbsp;Sweden, have reported&nbsp;cases.&nbsp;

The WHO on Friday (August 16) urged vaccine manufacturers to increase production of mpox vaccines.

"We do need the manufacturers to really scale up so that we've got access to many, many more vaccines," said WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris, while talking to reporters.

The international health agency has also called on countries to donate stockpiles to those affected by the outbreak.&nbsp;

The charity, Doctors Without Borders, also said that countries with vaccine stockpiles but no outbreaks "must donate as many doses as possible" to affected countries in Africa.

(With inputs from agencies)

An outbreak of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has claimed more than 500 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as per reports. The virus, which is rapidly spreading to neighbouring countries, has prompted fears of a global health crisis, even as over seven million displaced high-risk people in the DRC await vaccine.

An outbreak of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has claimed more than 500 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as per reports. The virus, which is rapidly spreading to neighbouring countries, has prompted fears of a global health crisis, even as over seven million displaced high-risk people in the DRC await vaccine. Mpox deaths in DRC According to a China Central Television report citing Health Minister Roger Kamba, since the beginning of 2024, the DRC has reported 15,664 suspected cases and 548 deaths. The country has been grappling with the ongoing outbreak since late 2022, but the emergence of a more lethal variant, Clade 1b — which has a mortality rate of 3.6 per cent — has exacerbated the situation. Also read | Mpox crisis: Virus cases logged in Africa this year exceed last year's total Challenges in DRC displacement camps In DRC, as per AFP, the situation is particularly dire in makeshift camps. These camps, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, house at least 7.3 million internally displaced people, and are hence overcrowded. These conditions heighten the risk of transmission. Contagious people continue to stay in close quarters, despite the risks, as health workers struggle to enforce prevention measures. "My son was hospitalised here for mpox, and my daughter was looking after him. After they got out on a Sunday, my daughter began showing the same symptoms by Wednesday," said Deogracias Mahombi Sekabanza, a health worker from Goma. Furaha Makambo, a mother of three, shared her fears from a nearby tent where her children sleep together, making it impossible to prevent cross-infection. "We are scared, this disease needs to be eradicated so that it stops reaching the displaced because it can exterminate us," she said while speaking to AFP. Also read | Mpox crisis updates: Pakistan adopts safety measures; WHO says no need to close borders Global health emergency and vaccine urgency The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday (August 14) declared the mpox surge a public health emergency of international concern — its highest alert level as the virus spreads beyond the DRC. Already, 12 African countries and nations outside Africa, like Pakistan and Sweden, have reported cases. The WHO on Friday (August 16) urged vaccine manufacturers to increase production of mpox vaccines. "We do need the manufacturers to really scale up so that we've got access to many, many more vaccines," said WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris, while talking to reporters. The international health agency has also called on countries to donate stockpiles to those affected by the outbreak. The charity, Doctors Without Borders, also said that countries with vaccine stockpiles but no outbreaks "must donate as many doses as possible" to affected countries in Africa. (With inputs from agencies)

Mpox crisis: WHO pushes for scaling up mpox vaccine production as death toll in DRC nears 550

China is currently witnessing world's fastest increase in cases of mpox (previously known as monkeypox), a recent report by World Health Organization (WHO) has said. The agency has recommended that the country acts quickly to bring the spread under control.

Asia has become as the new hotspot of the disease while countries in the Americas and Europe have mostly contained the mpox outbreak. The outbreak started in mid-2022.

Last year, countries like Japan, South Korea and Thailand witnessed sporadic cases. This year, these countries have reported weekly double-digit number of cases.

However, the latest WHO data says that China has overtaken all other countries in the world. In last three months, 315 confirmed mpox cases have been found. However, irregularity in reporting from the government makes it hard to gauge the true scale of the disease.

Countries have shown varying success in containing mpox, which is less contagious than Covid-19 but has affected thousands across the world. The success in controlling mpox outbreak is often attributed to proactive measures like vaccination. A report in South China Morning Post (SCMP) has suggested that action taken by Chinese government leaves a lot to be desired.

Watch | WHO: China faces fastest rise in Mpox cases

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“Compared with the response to Covid-19 […] the [Chinese] response is certainly dramatically different,” says Yanzhong Huang, who is a senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations in the United States. Yanzhong was quoted by MIT Technology Review.

“Even though [mpox] is less likely to develop into a large outbreak in the country, the Pollyanna attitude may encourage the spread of the disease among the at-risk population – unless they take a more active campaign against the disease.”

“Overall, compared to where we were last year, we’re definitely in a different place,” says Krutika Kuppalli, who is an infectious-disease doctor quoted by MIT Technology Review.

“We have much fewer cases, but we are seeing sporadic outbreaks in different parts of the world.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-a-five-fold-increase-in-mpox-cases-96-patients-are-male-624321">China reports a five-fold increase in mpox cases; 96% patients are male</a>

Chinese government has been criticised for being opaque about reporting true extent of the problem in the country. The authorities do not post number of infections on a regular basis.

“We also need to understand more about the people that have been infected,” Kuppalli says, “such as […] the demographics, the clinical presentation, their immune status and about how they’ve been presenting to care. I think that type of information is important.”

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>. 
 
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China is currently witnessing world's fastest increase in cases of mpox (previously known as monkeypox), a recent report by World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

China is currently witnessing world's fastest increase in cases of mpox (previously known as monkeypox), a recent report by World Health Organization (WHO) has said. The agency has recommended that the country acts quickly to bring the spread under control. Asia has become as the new hotspot of the disease while countries in the Americas and Europe have mostly contained the mpox outbreak. The outbreak started in mid-2022. Last year, countries like Japan, South Korea and Thailand witnessed sporadic cases. This year, these countries have reported weekly double-digit number of cases. However, the latest WHO data says that China has overtaken all other countries in the world. In last three months, 315 confirmed mpox cases have been found. However, irregularity in reporting from the government makes it hard to gauge the true scale of the disease. Countries have shown varying success in containing mpox, which is less contagious than Covid-19 but has affected thousands across the world. The success in controlling mpox outbreak is often attributed to proactive measures like vaccination. A report in South China Morning Post (SCMP) has suggested that action taken by Chinese government leaves a lot to be desired. Watch | WHO: China faces fastest rise in Mpox cases × “Compared with the response to Covid-19 […] the [Chinese] response is certainly dramatically different,” says Yanzhong Huang, who is a senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations in the United States. Yanzhong was quoted by MIT Technology Review. “Even though [mpox] is less likely to develop into a large outbreak in the country, the Pollyanna attitude may encourage the spread of the disease among the at-risk population – unless they take a more active campaign against the disease.” “Overall, compared to where we were last year, we’re definitely in a different place,” says Krutika Kuppalli, who is an infectious-disease doctor quoted by MIT Technology Review. “We have much fewer cases, but we are seeing sporadic outbreaks in different parts of the world.” Also Read | China reports a five-fold increase in mpox cases; 96% patients are male Chinese government has been criticised for being opaque about reporting true extent of the problem in the country. The authorities do not post number of infections on a regular basis. “We also need to understand more about the people that have been infected,” Kuppalli says, “such as […] the demographics, the clinical presentation, their immune status and about how they’ve been presenting to care. I think that type of information is important.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

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China reports a five-fold increase in mpox cases; 96% patients are male

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