MPox Declared Global Health Emergency; Vaccination Urged for Those at Risk

The World Health Organization has declared MPox a global health emergency, as two more virulent and lethal variants, Clade 1 and Clade 2, continue to circulate since their emergence in 2022. Health officials are emphasizing the critical need for vigilance, especially in light of the over 1,000 cases of Clade 2 now confirmed in the United States, although no cases of Clade 1 have yet been reported.

In response to this global threat, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged widespread vaccination, particularly for those at elevated risk. U.S. authorities have also committed to distributing MPox vaccines to African nations most severely affected by the outbreak. Significantly, on Thursday, Sweden reported its first case of the Clade 1 variant, marking the initial spread of this variant to Europe. The Swedish patient had recently traveled to Africa, highlighting the virus’s potential for global dissemination.

Dr. Asha Shah of Stamford Health underscores the enduring presence of this disease and the importance of preventive measures. “This is a disease that is going to be with us now, so it’s crucial to know there are ways to protect yourself,” Dr. Shah advises, warning of MPox’s capacity to cause severe, sometimes disfiguring, symptoms. The virus is primarily transmitted through close, skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have visible rashes. Therefore, vaccination is strongly recommended for those at risk.

The MPox vaccine, commonly known as the Jynneos vaccine, remains widely accessible and is provided free of charge. It is especially crucial for at-risk individuals to receive the two-dose vaccine, which offers protection against all current variants.