Health Alert for Monkeypox Virus Outbreak in DRC – CDC Issues Advisory – Medriva

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a health alert in response to the ongoing outbreak of a more severe and transmissible subtype of the monkeypox (mpox) virus, known as clade I, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This alert seeks to prepare clinicians and public health officials in the U.S. for potential cases, despite no clade I cases being reported domestically at this time.

According to the CDC, the 2022-23 global outbreak of mpox was predominantly linked to the clade II monkeypox virus. Interestingly, this outbreak has largely affected gay and bisexual men, as well as other men who have sex with men. However, the clade I subtype, now spreading in the DRC, is raising serious concerns due to its increased transmissibility and severity.

This subtype of the disease has seen a significant surge in its suspected cases and related deaths in the DRC, primarily spreading through sexually associated human-to-human contact.

The CDC has emphasized that the Jynneos mpox vaccine should be effective against both clade I and clade II mpox viruses. However, vaccination coverage in the U.S. remains low. As of now, only one in four people eligible for the vaccine have received the two doses necessary for optimum protection.

Health authorities have recommended travelers to the DRC to be cautious. The CDC advises avoiding close contact with ill or dead animals and promotes enhanced surveillance efforts, especially if the clade I strain is detected in the U.S. Additionally, clinicians are urged to be alert for patients presenting with lesions consistent with mpox.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed great concern over the ongoing outbreak in the DRC, which has proved fatal for nearly 600 people, primarily children, this year. The WHO, in collaboration with Congolese authorities, is currently working on the response and conducting a risk assessment.

Furthermore, CDC and WHO are increasingly concerned about an outbreak among sex workers in South Kivu, DRC. Efforts are being made to work with the Congolese government to procure or accept donations of mpox vaccines.

In light of this health alert, it is crucial that clinicians, public health officials, and individuals who are at risk or are traveling to the DRC remain vigilant. The importance of increasing vaccination coverage against the mpox virus cannot be overstated. By taking these steps, we can help to prevent the spread and severe impacts of this disease.

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Health Alert for Monkeypox Virus Outbreak in DRC - CDC Issues Advisory - Medriva