US steps up mpox response as new strain emerges

While no cases of this new strain have been found in the US yet, experts are preparing for its potential arrival.

The US government has also added mpox testing to its wastewater surveillance system. (File photo)

The United States is taking strong action to tackle a new strain of mpox, known as clade Ib, amid growing concerns. Officials shared these updates in a briefing on Friday, revealing plans to increase testing, make vaccines more accessible, and boost monitoring efforts.

While no cases of this new strain have been found in the US yet, experts are preparing for its potential arrival. The World Health Organization recently declared a global health emergency because of this strain, which has already caused a surge of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries. Travel-related cases have also been reported in Sweden and Thailand.

To address this, the US is expanding its testing options. Doctors across the country can now order mpox tests, which will be processed by national labs. If a test shows a new strain, it will be checked by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Last month, Wayne County, Michigan, reported a new case of mpox, but further testing confirmed it was from the older clade II strain.

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Currently, about three cases a day of the older clade II strain are being reported in the US, which caused a health emergency in 2022. In response, the US is making mpox vaccines more widely available.

The Jynneos vaccine, made by Bavarian Nordic, can be obtained at local pharmacies and community health centers, and is usually covered by insurance. For those without insurance, the vaccine is still available through public health departments to help those most at risk, such as men and bisexual men who have sex with men.

Also Read: | Why WHO has called the latest mpox outbreak an ‘emergency of international concern’

The US government has also added mpox testing to its wastewater surveillance system, which helps monitor for the virus in major cities. They are working to include testing specifically for clade Ib. Additionally, efforts are underway to develop rapid tests for mpox, similar to those created for COVID-19, with new tests expected in the coming months.

Mpox can cause flu-like symptoms and painful lesions, and it spreads through close contact, including sexual activity. The increased efforts aim to manage and prevent the spread of this new strain and protect public health.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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