For the first time since the global outbreak began in 2022, Côte d’Ivoire has confirmed cases of mpox Clade 2. Health authorities revealed that at least 28 cases have been identified, with one resulting in death. The development comes as Thailand also reports its first case of a more lethal strain of mpox, marking the first known instance of this strain in Asia. The infected individual in Thailand had recently traveled from Africa.
Health officials in Côte d’Ivoire are stepping up monitoring and response efforts in light of the recent cases. “We have recorded 28 confirmed cases and one death,” said Dr. Daouda Coulibaly from the National Public Hygiene Institute (INHP). “Our focus now is on breaking the transmission chains by identifying, isolating, and monitoring all contacts,” he added.
Mpox Cases Surge in Central Africa
In Central Africa, the number of mpox cases continues to rise, particularly in the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi. In CAR alone, nearly 100 suspected cases have been detected in the last month. The most affected regions include Mbomou, Kemo, Lobaye, and the capital, Bangui.
Despite the increase in cases, health officials in CAR report that the situation remains under control. “We have identified 92 suspected cases, with nine confirmed positive. All positive patients have been treated and discharged from Bangui General Hospital,” a senior health official stated. The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts to contain the outbreak intensify.
New Mpox Variant Detected in Asia
On Thursday, Thailand reported its first case of a more dangerous mpox strain, Clade 1b, in a patient who had traveled from Africa. The 66-year-old European, who arrived in Bangkok on August 14, was hospitalized with mpox symptoms. Tests confirmed the presence of Clade 1b.
Authorities are monitoring 43 individuals who had close contact with the patient. Although none have shown symptoms yet, monitoring will continue for 21 days. The World Health Organization will be informed of the case.
Travelers arriving in Thailand from 42 high-risk countries are now required to register and undergo testing.
Concerns Over New Variant
In mid-August, a global health emergency was declared due to the new mpox variant, prompting calls for increased vaccine production. Mpox cases and deaths have surged in Africa, with significant outbreaks reported in countries including the DRC, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda since July. Over 18,700 cases have been identified in Africa since January, with recent cases also reported in Sweden and Pakistan.
The disease, spread through contact with infected animals or people, causes fever, muscle aches, and large skin lesions. While mpox has been known for years, Clade 1b is more severe and transmissible, with a fatality rate of approximately 3.6%, particularly affecting children.
