Threats For New Outbreak Looms, As Scientists Signal Deadly Monkeypox Variant Circulating In Central Africa

Researchers have warned that a dangerous monkeypox variant with a fatality rate as high as 10% is circulating in Central Africa, which could trigger new global outbreaks.
After analyzing 1,463 cases between 2013 and 2017, scientists have found that monkeypox transmission in a remote part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is much higher than previously thought.
Citing one of the CDC researchers behind the report, Forbes reported that transmission has been ”getting close to the point where it can cause large and sustained local outbreaks.”
The World Health Organization declared monkeypox infection a global health emergency. In August, health officials said they are witnessing early signs of waning growth in infection rates in Europe and the U.S.
The researchers also found evidence suggesting the monkeypox virus—believed to be harbored by rodents—is spilling over from animals into humans more frequently.
The few shots and treatments used against monkeypox are available but in very short supply and have gone mainly to wealthy Western nations.
In September, the White House reportedly sought $3.9 billion to fight against monkeypox.
The African communities that have struggled with monkeypox for years have received few vaccines and continue to be overlooked.
Photo Jernej Furman from Flickr