The emergence of a novel mpox virus strain (clade Ib) in Central Africa: A global public health concern

Monkeypox (mpox) infection gained global attention when it spread outside Africa in 2003. A novel mpox strain was identified in the Central African Republic in 2024. This new variant presents significant clinical and epidemiological differences from previously known strains. The high rate of pediatr...

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Main Authors: Zahra Labiba Ahmed, Md. Rabiul Islam
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-07-01
Series:Journal of Infection and Public Health
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876034125001303
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author Zahra Labiba Ahmed
Md. Rabiul Islam
author_facet Zahra Labiba Ahmed
Md. Rabiul Islam
author_sort Zahra Labiba Ahmed
collection DOAJ
description Monkeypox (mpox) infection gained global attention when it spread outside Africa in 2003. A novel mpox strain was identified in the Central African Republic in 2024. This new variant presents significant clinical and epidemiological differences from previously known strains. The high rate of pediatric infection, shortened incubation period, rapid transmission, unusual symptoms, accelerated disease progression, and higher case fatality rate make this strain a potential public health concern. Current epidemiological data suggest a case fatality rate of approximately 8–10 %, higher than clade II (West African strain). We recommend considering this new mpox strain as a top priority for international healthcare authorities. International health organizations must provide support to nations with fragile healthcare infrastructures. Immediate actions are essential to prevent this emerging variant from escalating into a larger epidemic. Global healthcare organizations should apply lessons learned from previous outbreaks of infectious diseases to mitigate this new threat.
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series Journal of Infection and Public Health
spelling doaj-art-4b52aa45aee542d5ac375d37ad4579ef2025-08-20T02:29:34ZengElsevierJournal of Infection and Public Health1876-03412025-07-0118710278110.1016/j.jiph.2025.102781The emergence of a novel mpox virus strain (clade Ib) in Central Africa: A global public health concernZahra Labiba Ahmed0Md. Rabiul Islam1School of Pharmacy, BRAC University, Kha 224 Bir Uttam Rafiqul Islam Avenue, Merul Badda, Dhaka 1212, BangladeshCorresponding author.; School of Pharmacy, BRAC University, Kha 224 Bir Uttam Rafiqul Islam Avenue, Merul Badda, Dhaka 1212, BangladeshMonkeypox (mpox) infection gained global attention when it spread outside Africa in 2003. A novel mpox strain was identified in the Central African Republic in 2024. This new variant presents significant clinical and epidemiological differences from previously known strains. The high rate of pediatric infection, shortened incubation period, rapid transmission, unusual symptoms, accelerated disease progression, and higher case fatality rate make this strain a potential public health concern. Current epidemiological data suggest a case fatality rate of approximately 8–10 %, higher than clade II (West African strain). We recommend considering this new mpox strain as a top priority for international healthcare authorities. International health organizations must provide support to nations with fragile healthcare infrastructures. Immediate actions are essential to prevent this emerging variant from escalating into a larger epidemic. Global healthcare organizations should apply lessons learned from previous outbreaks of infectious diseases to mitigate this new threat.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876034125001303MonkeypoxMpoxClade IbPoxvirusOrthopoxvirusPublic health emergency of international concern
spellingShingle Zahra Labiba Ahmed
Md. Rabiul Islam
The emergence of a novel mpox virus strain (clade Ib) in Central Africa: A global public health concern
Journal of Infection and Public Health
Monkeypox
Mpox
Clade Ib
Poxvirus
Orthopoxvirus
Public health emergency of international concern
title The emergence of a novel mpox virus strain (clade Ib) in Central Africa: A global public health concern
title_full The emergence of a novel mpox virus strain (clade Ib) in Central Africa: A global public health concern
title_fullStr The emergence of a novel mpox virus strain (clade Ib) in Central Africa: A global public health concern
title_full_unstemmed The emergence of a novel mpox virus strain (clade Ib) in Central Africa: A global public health concern
title_short The emergence of a novel mpox virus strain (clade Ib) in Central Africa: A global public health concern
title_sort emergence of a novel mpox virus strain clade ib in central africa a global public health concern
topic Monkeypox
Mpox
Clade Ib
Poxvirus
Orthopoxvirus
Public health emergency of international concern
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876034125001303
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