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A newly emerging variant of Mpox, clade 1b, is raising alarm across the global health community due to its increased transmissibility and heightened risk of miscarriage. According to a study led by international researchers, this variant has rapidly spread beyond its initial detection in Kamituga, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in September 2023.
The study, published in Nature Medicine, analyzed genetic mutations in clade 1b and identified three new subvariants. One of these subvariants has spread beyond Kamituga to other cities in the DRC, neighboring countries, and even internationally, with confirmed cases in Sweden and Thailand. Additionally, the variant has been detected in the United States, where four infections have been reported since November 2024.
Researchers from six countries, including the DRC, Denmark, the UK, and Spain, noted a concerning trend: “new data may also suggest that clade 1b entails a high risk of miscarriage.” The study examined 670 patient samples, revealing that 52.4% of those infected were women, and 47.6% were men. While the primary mode of transmission remains sexual contact, the virus has also been recorded among healthcare workers. Tragically, seven patients have succumbed to the disease, and eight out of 14 infected pregnant women suffered miscarriages.
Professor Frank Moller Aarestrup from the DTU National Food Institute in Denmark emphasized the severity of the new strain. “For clade 1b, we see that one particular subvariant appears to have become better at transmitting between humans, and it has now been detected in several countries outside East Africa. In addition, the number of infected pregnant women who miscarry is high among those we have tested,” he said.
Originally classified as a zoonotic disease that primarily spread from animals to humans, Mpox saw a significant outbreak in 2022, predominantly affecting men who have sex with men. However, clade 1b differs in its broader reach, now infecting both men and women, as well as an increasing number of children and healthcare workers.
Although Aarestrup stated that a large outbreak outside East Africa is not yet expected, researchers urge caution. They recommend avoiding close contact, particularly sexual contact, in high-risk areas and call for enhanced cross-border cooperation to track disease transmission, improve patient treatment, and disseminate health education, especially among sex workers.
Disclaimer: This article is based on ongoing research, and findings may evolve as more data becomes available. Individuals should refer to official health agencies for the latest guidelines and updates on Mpox clade 1b.
