First U.S. Case of New Mpox Variant Confirmed

On Saturday, November 16, health officials confirmed the first U.S. case of a new form of mpox, originally identified in eastern Congo, VOA reported. The infected individual had traveled to eastern Africa and was treated in Northern California upon returning. Symptoms are reportedly improving, and the individual is currently isolating at home.

Mpox, a rare disease related to smallpox, is endemic in parts of Africa and typically spreads through contact with infected animals or humans. Symptoms can include fever, chills, and body aches, with more severe cases leading to skin lesions.

Since late September, over 3,100 mpox cases have been reported globally, primarily in Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The World Health Organization has noted that the current outbreak is primarily transmitted through close contact, including sexual transmission, and emphasizes the need for increased vaccination efforts in affected regions.