After HMPV, new Mpox strain detected: Symptoms to prevention, all you need to know

After the fast spread of HMPV cases in China, a new strain of Mpox-Clade 1b- has surfaced. Apart from fatigue and fever, it has other symptoms one must be aware about.

A new mutated Mpox strain has been detected. Just after the panic pertaining to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) started to settle, the Chinese health authorities stated on Thursday that new mutated mpox strain clade 1b has been found in the country. According to China’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, it had found a cluster outbreak of the Ib subclade that started with the infection a foreigner who has a history of travel and residence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Later, four more cases were diagnosed in people who were in close contact with the infected individual.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. There are two distinct clades of the virus: clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb). In 2022–2023 a global outbreak of mpox was caused by the clade IIb strain, stated the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Mpox: Symptoms to Prevention

• Skin rash or mucosal lesions
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle ache
• Back pain
• Low energy
• Swollen nymph nodes

The skin rash can start to appear in a few days after contracting the virus. It may last from 2-4 weeks depending on individuals. These often can be painful and pus-filled.

Prevention for Mpox

• Wash hands often with soap and water. Keep hand sanitisers handy
• Wear a mask and cover lesions
• Keep skin dry and uncovered
• Consume healthy immunity boosting diet
• Keep surrounding clean
• In case of infection, isolate yourself to avoid spread

How does Mpox spread?

Mpox can spread via close contact with the infected person. According to WHO, during pregnancy, the virus may be passed to the fetus, or to the newborn during or after birth. The variant has spread from DRC to neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, triggering the emergency declaration from the WHO.

Animal-to-human transmission of mpox occurs from infected animals to humans from bites or scratches. WHO recommends taking the Mpox vaccine.