Sun Sep 08 13:12:32 UTC 2024: ## US Prepares for More Severe Mpox Variant as Cases Surge in Africa
**Washington, D.C.** – The Biden administration is preparing for the potential arrival of a more severe version of mpox, known as clade 1, which has been causing a deadly outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries.
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global health emergency in August, with over 24,800 cases reported this year alone. Clade 1 has a higher fatality rate than the clade 2 variant that sparked the global outbreak in 2022. While clade 2 can be fatal, clade 1 carries a fatality rate of up to 10%, though recent rates have been reported between 1% and 3.3%.
The US has already seen its first cases of clade 1 outside of Africa, with Sweden and Thailand confirming cases in recent months. Both cases involved individuals who had recently travelled to Africa.
In response to the rising threat, the US government has been stepping up its preparedness efforts. This includes expanding mpox surveillance, primarily through wastewater analysis, and educating medical professionals on the characteristics and spread of clade 1.
The administration is also working to ensure wider availability of testing. Doctors can now order mpox tests that can be run through a national laboratory. If the test is positive, it can be screened for clade 2. If negative for clade 2, a presumptive diagnosis of clade 1 can be made, pending confirmation by the CDC.
The US currently has a sufficient supply of the Jynneos vaccine, which is effective against both clade 1 and clade 2. However, vaccination is currently recommended only for those considered at high risk of contracting the virus, primarily gay and bisexual men. The vaccine is available at major pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, as well as public health departments and community health centers.
The US is also collaborating with scientists and drug companies to develop new treatments for mpox, as currently no approved treatments exist. While the antiviral drug TPOXX, approved for smallpox, is being explored, a recent clinical trial found it ineffective against clade 1.
The Biden administration is closely monitoring the situation and taking proactive measures to mitigate the potential impact of the more severe mpox variant in the US.
First Piper 