Thursday, April 24, 2025

Potential Pandemic? New Mpox Strain Found in Central Africa

AP Newsis

Experts have issued warnings about the potential global spread of a more dangerous variant of Monkeypox (Mpox), known as Clade 1b, which is considered more severe than the original strain.

On the 25th, Sky News in the U.K. reported that researchers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have called for countermeasures as Clade 1b, a variant of Mpox with more severe symptoms and a higher fatality rate than the original strain, is spreading.

Unfortunately, the Clade 1b, a variant spreads easily through human contact.

First identified in September among sex workers in Kamituga, a mining area in the DRC, there have been 1,000 confirmed cases in the southern Kivu region. The first case of infection in Goma, a border region with Rwanda, was reported on the 24th.

Although the virus is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, infections have also occurred in household settings, including among school-aged children, raising concerns about its easy transmission.

The fatality rate of Clade 1b is estimated to be 10% for children and 5% for adults.

An official from the University of Rwanda stated, “There’s no doubt that Clade 1b is the most dangerous variant of Mpox,” stressing the need for support and preparedness.

To date, most deaths from Mpox have been due to infections from the early Clade 2 variant, primarily affecting homosexual and bisexual men in 2022.

According to Sky News, nearly 4,000 people in the U.K. and 97,000 worldwide have been infected, with most experiencing mild symptoms, resulting in a mortality rate of less than 0.5%.

In response, international health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), are reportedly planning emergency vaccinations in the southern Kivu region of the DRC.

Hot this week

AI Politeness Has a Cost: Saying ‘Thank You’ to AI Adds to Energy and Water Consumption

Users thanking AI may lead to increased energy consumption, as polite interactions raise server loads and electricity costs significantly.

Dow Soars Over 1,000 Points as U.S.-China Trade Hopes Lift Markets

U.S. stock indices surged over 2.5% as optimism grew for a U.S.-China trade deal, while Tesla faced mixed reactions post-earnings.

Oil Snaps Back: U.S. Sanctions on Iran Fuel Fresh Price Surge

Oil prices surged after U.S. sanctions on Iran, despite previous declines due to market sentiment influenced by Trump’s criticism of the Fed.

Trump-Powell Fallout Roils Markets: Dow Plunges 972 Points, Tesla Drops Nearly 6%

The NYSE faced a major sell-off as doubts about the Fed's independence led to sharp declines in major tech stocks and the dollar.

Crude Slips After Trump Criticism of Fed Sparks Market Turmoil

Oil prices plummet as Trump's criticism of Fed Chair Powell triggers market turmoil; gold hits record high amid safe-haven demand.

Topics

AI Politeness Has a Cost: Saying ‘Thank You’ to AI Adds to Energy and Water Consumption

Users thanking AI may lead to increased energy consumption, as polite interactions raise server loads and electricity costs significantly.

Dow Soars Over 1,000 Points as U.S.-China Trade Hopes Lift Markets

U.S. stock indices surged over 2.5% as optimism grew for a U.S.-China trade deal, while Tesla faced mixed reactions post-earnings.

Oil Snaps Back: U.S. Sanctions on Iran Fuel Fresh Price Surge

Oil prices surged after U.S. sanctions on Iran, despite previous declines due to market sentiment influenced by Trump’s criticism of the Fed.

Trump-Powell Fallout Roils Markets: Dow Plunges 972 Points, Tesla Drops Nearly 6%

The NYSE faced a major sell-off as doubts about the Fed's independence led to sharp declines in major tech stocks and the dollar.

Crude Slips After Trump Criticism of Fed Sparks Market Turmoil

Oil prices plummet as Trump's criticism of Fed Chair Powell triggers market turmoil; gold hits record high amid safe-haven demand.

Delta Sets the Bar: Only Airline on Fortune’s Best Workplaces List

Delta Air Lines ranks 15th in Fortune's '100 Best Companies to Work For', marking six consecutive years on the list, CEO Ed Bastian says.

Snap, Save, Sustain: Samsung’s ‘Ocean Mode’ Contributes to Planting Over 11,000+ Corals

Samsung's Coral in Focus project uses Galaxy tech for coral restoration, achieving significant marine ecosystem improvements in one year.

Trump Pushes for Immediate Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire, Highlights Potential ‘Economic Gains’

Trump hopes for a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire this week, linking it to future prosperity for both nations and the U.S.

Related Articles