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The global health community is closely monitoring the spread of Mpox, particularly the emergence of Clade 1B, a variant of concern. While the risk to the general population outside of affected regions remains low, experts emphasize the need for increased vigilance and research to understand the virus's behavior and potential impact. Former WHO medical officer, Krutika Kuppalli, highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance, community education, and swift response measures, exemplified by India's prompt handling of its first suspected case.
Kuppalli underscores the critical need for additional data on Clade 1B's transmission rate and mortality. While early observations suggest potentially higher transmission rates, definitive conclusions remain elusive due to limited patient numbers and ongoing research. She clarifies that Clade 1B is a variant of Clade 1, with most cases currently attributed to Clade 1A. The world also continues to observe cases of Clade IIB, which caused the global outbreak in 2022. Understanding the virus's evolution requires increased testing and sequencing to identify new mutations that may arise.
Despite the recent decline in Mpox cases, Kuppalli emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance. She reminds us that the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) was lifted after the 2022 outbreak, but the virus remains a potential threat. She emphasizes that ongoing research is crucial to understand the CFR (Case Fatality Rate), highlighting the potential impact of factors like supportive care, vaccination, co-infections, and genetics on the disease's severity. The current CFR for Clade 1A is around 3.4-3.6 percent, while Clade 1B is estimated to have a CFR of approximately 0.6 percent, but more data is needed to confirm these estimates.
Kuppalli's expertise, garnered from her experience at the WHO and Ebola treatment unit in Sierra Leone, provides valuable insights into the evolving nature of infectious diseases. She emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts to increase surveillance, research, and community engagement to effectively manage Mpox and other emerging health threats. Her words serve as a reminder that while the current risk may be low for many, continuous vigilance and research are essential to ensure preparedness for potential future outbreaks.