Monkeypox makes a comeback

A new strain of the mpox virus, identified as clade Ib, has just been detected in China as the carrier was a foreign national who had traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), giving rise to four other cases among close contacts.

Chinese health authorities report that this new clade Ib variant of the mpox virus has spread throughout the country.

This viral infection manifests itself through mild symptoms, mainly rashes and blisters.

Mpox is transmitted by close contact, but the newly identified strain seems to spread more easily, including by sexual contact.

Having classified smallpox as a Category B infectious disease, China has taken emergency measures including restricting public gatherings, suspending work and school, and cordoning off affected areas to prevent further transmission.