Countries in the Americas must reinforce mpox surveillance in the face of the possible spread of the new variant detected in Africa: PAHO

 

 

In an epidemiological alert published on August 8, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has asked countries in the Americas to strengthen surveillance, including laboratory detection and genomic sequencing of confirmed cases, following the identification of a new variant of mpox virus, Clade I (Clade Ib), in sub-Saharan Africa.

Although the new variant has not been reported in the Americas, countries should remain alert for possible imported cases.

The new variant is associated with sustained transmission, as well as the emergence of cases in a wider range of age groups than in previous outbreaks, including children. It is estimated that it emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in September 2023 and is associated with a significant increase in cases in the country.

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