The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is calling for vaccination against mpox as a new, more deadly strain spreads across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This strain, known as Clade I, has caused nearly 20,000 suspected cases and 975 deaths from January 2023 to April 2024. This outbreak marks a shift from primarily affecting children to a notable increase in sexually transmitted cases among adults in urban areas.
Importance of Vaccination
The CDC highlights the urgency for at-risk groups, such as sexually active gay and bisexual men and individuals with HIV, to receive the Jynneos vaccine. Despite its effectiveness against both Clade I and II strains, vaccination rates remain low, with only about 25% of eligible individuals fully vaccinated. With summer travel and upcoming Pride events, timely vaccination is crucial to prevent a resurgence similar to the 2022 outbreak in the United States.
U.S. Preparedness and Monitoring
Though Clade I has not been detected in the U.S., the CDC continues vigilant monitoring and testing. The current low number of mpox cases in the U.S. are mostly among those who are unvaccinated, underscoring the importance of getting vaccinated to maintain control over the virus’s spread.
Global Cooperation Needed
The CDC stresses that controlling the outbreak in Africa is essential to prevent global spread. Enhanced international efforts are required to ensure vaccine access in affected regions. The organization calls for coordinated global action to bolster surveillance and vaccination initiatives, aiming to contain the virus effectively.
Final Note
Staying informed and proactive about vaccination can significantly protect you and your community. For detailed information, visit OpticFlux’s full article.
Agnes is a technical writer, being in touch with reports to come up with the latest tech leaks.
