Global Concerns Rise as CDC Urges Vigilance Against Severe Mpox Strain
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called on doctors and health departments to enhance surveillance for a more infectious and severe strain of the virus that causes monkeypox, which is spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The CDC has issued a Travel Health Notice for individuals traveling to the DRC, advising them to minimize contact with the ill, avoid wild animals, and refrain from consuming wild game. The clade I monkeypox virus is more contagious and causes more severe infections than the clade II strain associated with the recent global outbreak. The CDC urges clinicians to consider monkeypox when evaluating rashes and to investigate further if patients have swollen lymph nodes or recent travel to the DRC. The agency also emphasizes the importance of timely specimen collection and testing, as well as low vaccination coverage in the US.