By Vivek Dubey
CNBC-TV18.com
Published August 23, 2024
The WHO has declared mpox a global public health emergency again after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported widespread cases of the new Clade II variant.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces a severe outbreak with over 27,000 cases and 1,100 deaths, driven by the endemic Clade I and the rapidly spreading Clade II, mainly affecting children.
Sweden confirmed its first case of Clade II mpox on August 15, marking the variant’s spread beyond Africa. The infected individual contracted the virus while in Africa.
Thailand reported its first Clade II mpox case on August 21. Travellers from affected regions must register online and undergo health screening upon arrival.
Burundi confirmed 61 Clade II mpox cases across various districts by 9th August. No deaths have been reported, according to the latest WHO data.
Kenya confirmed its first-ever mpox case on July 29. The case involved Clade II, with no reported deaths as of 8th August, according to WHO data.
Rwanda has reported four cases of Clade II mpox by August 7, with no associated fatalities, highlighting the virus’s spread in the region.
Uganda identified two Clade II mpox cases, with no local transmission linked to them. Both cases were imported, and no deaths have been reported as of August 8.
Singapore detected 13 cases of mpox Clade 2 this year. The health ministry has initiated temperature screening at airports for travellers from affected regions.
Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d'Ivoire, reported its first cases of mpox Clade 2 since the start of the multi-country outbreak in 2022, signalling the virus’s continued spread.
Pakistan confirmed its first mpox case this year after a 34-year-old man returning from Saudi Arabia tested positive on August 13, shortly after showing symptoms in Peshawar.