In the last few years, cases of infectious diseases have increased rapidly in many countries of the world. After the coronavirus epidemic that started in late 2019, monkeypox infection also troubled people a lot. Monkeypox (Mpox) infection can be seriously damaging to health in many ways. Not only is its infection rate high, but the risk of serious complications in case of infection can also be high. Given the global threat of monkeypox, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a 'health emergency' twice.
Recent reports show that monkeypox cases have started being reported again in many countries. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has informed that for the first time, a case of Clade-1B strain has been confirmed in the country. Clade-1 infection has been considered to have a high risk of both mortality and infection. People infected with this may also be at risk of serious health problems like encephalitis and pneumonia.
Cases reported in Canada and America
PHAC said in a report that the infected person had recently traveled to an approx-affected country. As soon as he returned from there, symptoms of infection were seen in him. After confirmation of monkeypox, the infected has been isolated. Along with this, contact tracing of people who came in contact with the infected is also being done. Although cases of Clade II monkeypox have been seen in Canada since 2022, this is the first confirmed case of Clade I monkeypox in the country.
Earlier on November 15, the California Department of Public Health also confirmed the first case of Clade 1 monkeypox in the US. Health experts have again advised all countries to remain alert given the increasing risks of infection.
Problems may increase due to Clade I strain.
The strain of monkeypox about which experts are expressing concern these days is Clade II.
It is worth noting that Clade I and Clade II are the two major strains of monkeypox. Experts say that both the infectiousness and mortality rate of Clade I are a matter of concern. The first cases of Clade I infection were seen in the African country Congo, after which it has been increasing all over the world. In September, the first case of the Clade 1b strain was also reported in India (in Malappuram, Kerala).
Monkeypox was first declared a health emergency in July 2022 and then on 14 August 2024.
Monkeypox and its risks
Health experts say that all people need to be very careful about the risks of monkeypox, especially in countries where its cases are being reported these days. Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause painful rashes and high fever with swollen lymph nodes. Its outbreak has been seen mainly in gay, and bisexual people.
Its new strain Clade 1 may cause relatively more health complications. Some people may be at risk of brain swelling due to it.
(PC: Freepik)
