On December 18, Belgium became the eighth non-African country to confirm a case of the clade 1b variant of mpox. This significant development highlights the need for heightened surveillance and understanding of the virus’s transmission patterns.
Mpox, a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, has emerged as a global health concern in recent years, with cases reported across various continents.
Belgium’s First Clade 1b Mpox Case
Belgium’s confirmation of a clade 1b mpox case marks a pivotal moment in the global tracking of the virus. The infected individual was an adult traveler returning from an African country where clade 1b mpox is known to circulate.
After exhibiting symptoms, the patient isolated themselves and later tested positive for the virus. Notably, the individual had reported sexual contact with someone exhibiting mpox-like symptoms prior to their diagnosis.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has stated that no high-risk contacts have been identified in Belgium.
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Authorities have assessed the risk to the general public as low, reflecting the effectiveness of the patient’s self-isolation and the swift containment efforts. However, this case underscores the potential for the global spread of mpox variants, particularly through international travel.
Clade 1b’s Global Footprint
Clade 1b of the mpox virus, while less commonly detected compared to other variants, has been reported in several countries outside Africa.
Belgium joins Canada, Germany, India, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States in documenting cases. Each report has brought renewed attention to the virus’s ability to cross borders, often facilitated by travel and close personal contact.
The emergence of clade 1b in multiple countries outside Africa raises critical questions about transmission dynamics and the virus’s adaptability.
While mpox has historically been concentrated in Central and West Africa, its recent proliferation into non-endemic regions calls for a re-evaluation of global preparedness and response strategies. Countries must prioritize genomic sequencing of detected cases to better understand the clade’s mutations and potential implications for public health.
Africa’s Ongoing Struggle with Mpox
While mpox cases in non-endemic regions gain significant media attention, Africa remains the epicenter of the virus’s spread. As of late 2024, the continent has reported nearly 70,000 cases since the start of the year, spread across 20 countries.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a major hotspot, grappling with a complex outbreak involving multiple clades and transmission routes.
In Africa, mpox transmission is often linked to close contact with infected animals, such as rodents and primates, in addition to human-to-human transmission.
The diversity in transmission patterns and regional variations complicates containment efforts. For example, some regions report cases predominantly among rural communities engaging in hunting or handling wildlife, while others observe urban outbreaks fueled by interpersonal contact.
Efforts to curb mpox in Africa face numerous challenges, including limited healthcare infrastructure, insufficient access to vaccines, and competing public health priorities.
Global organizations must collaborate with African nations to bolster surveillance systems, improve diagnostic capabilities, and ensure equitable distribution of resources.
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