New Mpox Variant Raises Alarm With Higher Infection And Miscarriage Risks In US And Europe

A new variant of Mpox, known as clade 1b, is making headlines worldwide due to its high infectiousness and potential risk of miscarriage, according to a recent study published in Nature Medicine. First detected in Kamituga, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in September 2023, this variant has since evolved, making it more transmissible between humans.

Rapid Spread Across Countries

What started as a local outbreak has now expanded beyond Africa. Researchers identified three subvariants of clade 1b, one of which has already reached multiple cities in the DRC, neighbouring countries, and even international locations such as Sweden and Thailand. Further, cases have now been reported in the United States, with four infections detected since November 2023.

Scientists from six different countries, including Denmark, the UK, and Spain, conducted a genetic analysis of the virus, revealing alarming findings. Among the 670 patient samples examined, over 52 per cent of infected people were women, which is a shift from previous outbreaks that primarily affected men. Notably, out of 14 pregnant women infected, eight suffered miscarriages, raising concerns about the virus’s impact on maternal health.

How Is This Variant Different?

Unlike earlier strains of Mpox, which were largely transmitted through animal-to-human contact, clade 1b has adapted to spread more efficiently among people. While sexual contact remains the primary transmission route, infections have also been reported among healthcare workers and even children, indicating a broader risk to the general population.

"We are seeing this variant spread more rapidly between humans, which is a major shift," said Professor Frank Moller Aarestrup from DTU National Food Institute in Denmark. "The high miscarriage rates among infected pregnant women are particularly concerning."

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Mpox symptoms can be mistaken for other viral infections, hence here are the key symptoms you need to watch out for:

- Fever

- Headache

- Swollen lymph nodes

- Chills

- Fatigue

- Muscle aches

- Skin rashes or lesions, often starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body

- Painful sores or blisters that later scab over

Pregnant women should be particularly cautious, as the new variant is linked to a heightened risk of complications, including miscarriage.

Should We Be Worried?

Experts suggest that while this new variant is concerning, it is not expected to cause a massive outbreak outside its epicentre in East Africa. However, experts emphasized the need for preventive measures, including avoiding close or sexual contact in high-risk areas and strengthening international cooperation to track and contain the virus. Public health officials are urging people in affected regions to stay informed, practice good hygiene, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms.

While the risk of a global outbreak remains low for now, the emergence of this new variant shows the need for vigilance. Scientists continue to monitor its spread, and public health organizations are working on measures to contain the virus.

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