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A new outbreak of monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is raising concerns among the international scientific community due to its rapid spread and the presence of the more virulent and transmissible Clade 1b variant.

New outbreak of mpox disease, known as MonkeypoxIn the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the international scientific community is concerned.

The disease, which has already infected more than 8,000 people and been responsible for 384 deaths in the country this year alone, especially among children, is spreading rapidly to neighbouring countries, such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

What makes this outbreak even more worrisome is the presence of the variant. Clayd Epwhich appears to be more transmissible and capable of causing more severe infections.

What is being done?

Given this scenario, Global Health Organization I decided to form an emergency committee to assess whether the outbreak of the disease mpox It constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.

This is the highest rating in from It indicates a major threat to global health. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the decision to form the committee was due to the rapid spread of the disease and the potential for its future international spread.

WHO has already allocated financial resources to support affected countries and is working to accelerate access. Vaccines Against disease.

However, the lack of data and the complexity of the situation require a rapid and coordinated response from the international community.

What does science know?

The scientific community is still learning about the Clade Ib variant and its effects. At this time, the priority is to conduct more research to better understand transmission, disease severity, and the effectiveness of existing vaccines.

Another point discussed was health systems in affected countries to ensure equitable access to tests, treatments and vaccines.

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by a virus from the poxvirus family. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes (lymph nodes), and a rash that may resemble those of smallpox.

Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact with skin lesions, infected body fluids, or contaminated materials.

In Brazil, a vaccine against the disease was introduced in March of last year for specific groups, such as people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and laboratory professionals who work directly with the variola virus family of smallpox.