The World Health Organization’s decision to declare mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years may seem like déjà vu — but there are key differences between the strain that’s causing international concern now and the one that spread in 2022. (Photo at left: WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Photo credit: WHO)
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection characterized by painful lesions. It’s spread by direct contact with an infected person, animal or contaminated items like clothing or bedding.
The virus is classified into two distinct groups: clade I and clade II. Clade II was responsible for the 2022 outbreak, which has led to around 100,000 cases worldwide.
But now, a version of clade I has spread internationally. The outbreak started in January 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and has since reached 12 other countries in the region.
Last week, Sweden confirmed the first known infection of clade I outside Africa, though Swedish health officials said the person was infected while spending time in Africa. Health authorities in Pakistan also confirmed a case of mpox on Friday but have not identified the strain yet.
