‘Dangerous strain of monkeypox virus gains ability to spread through sexual contact’

NEW DELHI: A virulent strain of the monkeypox virus, known as clade I, has developed the capacity to spread through sexual contact, sparking concerns among scientists about a possible resurgence similar to the worldwide mpox outbreak in 2022. This development was highlighted in recent findings from a conflict-ridden region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Research suggests that this particular strain of the monkeypox virus is more lethal than those involved in previous outbreaks, including the global spread in 2022. The strain has traditionally been confined to small outbreaks within Central Africa, but recent events indicate a significant escalation in its transmission capabilities. “Since then, a clade I strain with an apparent capacity for sexual transmission has caused a cluster of infections,” revealed a recent preprint, noting that 241 suspected and 108 confirmed cases are linked to this outbreak, with almost 30% of confirmed infections found in sex workers, a Nature report said.
Historic and current impact
The monkeypox virus, which causes painful, fluid-filled lesions and can be fatal, has been known to persist in wild animals in several African countries and occasionally spills into human populations. The largest reported outbreak prior to 2022 occurred in 2017 in Nigeria, which spurred warnings that the virus might have adapted to spread through sexual contact. These warnings went largely unheeded until the WHO declared a public health emergency during the 2022 outbreak caused by clade II of the virus.
Concerns over regional spread
The current cluster of cases, particularly prevalent among sex workers, poses a significant risk of wider transmission. “The DRC is surrounded by nine other countries — we’re playing with fire here,” said Nicaise Ndembi, a virologist at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The potential for this strain to spread more efficiently and with fewer symptoms could lead to a more rapid expansion of the outbreak, the Nature report said.
Global response and need for vaccination
As the DRC and neighboring countries ramp up surveillance and response plans, the global community has been slow to provide adequate resources for vaccination. Despite offers from the United States and Japan to provide vaccine doses, much larger quantities are required to effectively manage the risk in the region. “A vaccination drive in the DRC would require hundreds of thousands — if not millions — of doses to inoculate individuals at high risk of infection,” noted Rosamund Lewis, technical lead for mpox at the WHO.
The WHO and CDC are also enhancing diagnostic capabilities within the DRC, especially in rural areas, to better identify and respond to new cases as they arise. The situation remains critical, with the potential for the disease to spread further, underscoring the need for immediate international support and preventive measures.