MNKYPOX Mpox (Monkeypox) clade 1b International Emergency Thread

helen

Panic Sex Lady
Just watching.



A Hong Kong zoo seeks answers after 9 monkeys die in 2 days

A Hong Kong zoo seeks answers after 9 monkeys die in 2 days
abcnews.go.com

A Hong Kong zoo seeks answers after 9 monkeys die in 2 days​

Hong Kong’s oldest zoo is seeking answers in a monkey medical mystery after nine animals died in two days, including three members of a critically endangered species

HONG KONG -- Hong Kong's oldest zoo is seeking answers in a monkey medical mystery after nine animals died in two days, including three members of a critically endangered species.

Part of the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens has been sealed off and disinfected, and experts have been called in to conduct necropsies and toxicological tests, Hong Kong leader John Lee said in his weekly press briefing Tuesday.

Eight monkeys were found dead on Sunday, and another died Monday after displaying unusual behavior. The deceased animals are a De Brazza’s monkey, a common squirrel monkey, four white-faced sakis and three cotton-top tamarins — a species listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

“Whenever we have any news, if there’s a new development, an announcement should be made as soon as possible, so that everyone can know about the facts,” Lee said.

On Monday, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung held an urgent interdepartmental meeting about the deaths with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Department of Health. It said in a statement that another De Brazza’s monkey’s behavior and appetite were found to be unusual, requiring further observation.

All 80 other animals in the gardens were in normal condition, it added.

In a statement Tuesday night, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department said the monkey’s condition remained stable. The department was still awaiting test results and provided no clues about the possible cause of the deaths.

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens — the oldest park in the former British colony — fully opened to the public in 1871. It is a rare urban oasis in the downtown Central district of the financial hub, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
 

night driver

ESFP adrift in INTJ sea
My earlier comment on being too late.
They waited too long to gin up a convenient scamdemic to nail the election. NOW sitting at E-20 days counting today.

So we can likely put Selection Scamdemic back in the old tool box for this year. Just means they will have to kill him.
 

KittyKatChic

Senior Member
Just in time for election day =(

City of El Paso confirms two cases of mpox


Melissa Luna
Updated: Oct 17, 2024 / 10:24 AM CDT

City of El Paso confirms two cases of Mpox

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso’s Department of Public Health has confirmed two cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in El Paso, the city announced Wednesday in a news release.
The city says the individuals, who are both men in their 40s, live in the same household and are currently recovering at home.

According to the CDC, mpox is a disease caused by infection with a virus known as monkeypox virus.

Public Health officials have launched contact tracing efforts and are working with the DPH epidemiology team to identify close contacts and provide vaccinations as needed.

According to the city, mpox is a “viral infection that spreads between people through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, and can also be transmitted from certain animals to humans. It is characterized by a distinctive rash that may be painful or itchy, which can appear on various parts of the body, progressing through several stages including scabs before healing.”

Symptoms of mpox include the following:
  • Distinctive rash
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Exhaustion
  • Muscle aches and back pain
  • Headache
The City says symptoms begin within three weeks of exposure and some individuals may experience only a few symptoms while others may experience the full range of symptoms.

A person is contagious from the time symptoms appear until the rash has fully healed and new skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks.

The city says mpox spreads through:
  • Close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
  • Intimate physical contact, such as kissing or sexual activity
  • Contact with infected wild animals via scratches, bites, or handling infected animal products
The City has provided some prevention tips for mpox:
  • Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash that could be mpox
  • Refrain from touching objects and surfaces used by someone with mpox
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water
Residents experiencing symptoms of mpox should seek medical advice to receive a proper diagnosis and guidance on the next steps, the City said.

The City says it currently has approximately 200 vaccines available for individuals at risk and those identified as close contacts of confirmed cases. More vaccines are also being requested.

Public Health officials will continue to investigate all confirmed cases and offer vaccines to those who are identified as close contacts.

For more information, the city has an mpox informational web page, which can be found by clicking here: https://www.elpasotexas.gov/public-health/current-incidents/mpox/.
 

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie
You just need to ground flights. I dunno what it would take. Marburg and/or mpox?

Agreed, but since when has this government been proactive about anything? They'll have an easier time cheating if people stay home.

Gin up another storm. Turn up the earthquake machine, and release Marburg and mpox at several points.
Ugh! It's enough to make me want to go sit on my deck and drink a beer.
 

Signwatcher

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Agreed, but since when has this government been proactive about anything? They'll have an easier time cheating if people stay home.

Gin up another storm. Turn up the earthquake machine, and release Marburg and mpox at several points.
Ugh! It's enough to make me want to go sit on my deck and drink a beer.

Forget the beer...them there critters require hard liquor.
 

Kayak

Adrenaline Junkie
It would only work if they stopped the 'red areas' from voting, meaning everywhere except the cities, and I can't imagine how they'll do that.

Monkeypox, Marburg (or any disease at this point, since it'll be relatively new and in the cities) would be more likely to stop the city-folk from voting.

An earthquake? I mean, California is going to Harris, right? Maybe the New Madrid, where there are more people voting for Trump, but I don't think any major swing states would go to Harris instead of Trump over that.

Right now, I can't imagine how keeping voters home is going to help them, because I can't understand how they'd keep only the Trump voters home.

They got Covid going ten months before the election, which gave them plenty of time to get the mail-in cheat set up. Not so, this time.
 
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jward

passin' thru
New mpox variant detected in Germany: health authority
AFP
~1 minute

An infection with the new mpox variant clade 1b has been detected in Germany for the first time, the Robert Koch Institute health authority said on Tuesday.

The infection occurred abroad and was detected last Friday, the institute said, adding that it did not see an increased risk for Germany but was “monitoring the situation very closely”.

TagsMpox
 

psychgirl

TB Fanatic
New mpox variant detected in Germany: health authority
AFP
~1 minute

An infection with the new mpox variant clade 1b has been detected in Germany for the first time, the Robert Koch Institute health authority said on Tuesday.

The infection occurred abroad and was detected last Friday, the institute said, adding that it did not see an increased risk for Germany but was “monitoring the situation very closely”.

TagsMpox
Beat me to it!!

Saw this a minute ago but didn’t post bc of that stupid unfurling thingy…
 

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie
I managed to get a haircut from a stylist today (one of the cheap chains). I caught myself wondering if I'd be doing my next haircut.
 

Heliobas Disciple

TB Fanatic
(fair use applies)

CEO of Roche warns that lots of Mpox cases in Europe are not being reported

Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team
Oct 23, 2024

The CEO of the Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche, Thomas Schinecker, has raised alarms about the possibility of underreported cases of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) across Europe. Speaking during a recent company earnings call, Schinecker indicated that the actual number of mpox cases in Europe might be far higher than what official reports suggest.


He emphasized that although some cases are making headlines, many others might be slipping under the radar.

Schinecker's comments come at a time when Europe is grappling with a potential new variant of Mpox. For example, Germany's public health authority, the Robert Koch Institute, has confirmed the discovery of a new Mpox variant belong to the clade 1b in the country, though it has assessed the risk to the general public as low. Nonetheless, the identification of this new strain has sparked concerns about its possible spread and the critical need for accurate reporting and timely testing.

It is believed that the spread of the Mpox Clade 2b variant is spreading at exponential rate especially among the gay and bisexual communities across Europe but various governments and health authorities are not releasing the true data of this rise in infections and there is literally no mainstream media covering Medical News updates on the mpox situation.


Roche's Preparedness and Capacity for Testing

As one of the global leaders in diagnostic tools, Roche is well-prepared to respond to any increase in demand for mpox testing. Schinecker revealed that Roche has the capacity to produce up to ten times the current amount of mpox testing kits, if required. This preparedness could prove essential if the virus begins to spread more widely, a scenario Roche is closely monitoring. According to Schinecker, the company can scale up production of test kits within six to nine months if necessary, which provides a significant level of readiness should the situation worsen.

Schinecker stressed as to how the underreporting of mpox cases could complicate efforts to contain the virus and reduce transmission rates. The ability to diagnose and isolate cases quickly will be crucial in preventing further spread, particularly given the new variant that has emerged in Germany.


The History of Mpox: Understanding the Disease

Mpox was first discovered in 1958 when outbreaks occurred among colonies of monkeys kept for research, which is how the disease got its name. However, the first human case was not reported until 1970, when it was identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). For decades, mpox has been endemic to Central and West Africa, where it primarily spreads from animals to humans through close contact.

The virus belongs to the same family as smallpox but is generally less severe. It is primarily transmitted through close contact, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials like bedding and clothing. Symptoms typically include fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash that often spreads from the face to other parts of the body. The rash progresses into painful lesions filled with pus, which can leave permanent scars. In severe cases, especially among children and individuals with weakened immune systems, mpox can be fatal, with a case fatality rate ranging from 1% to 10%.

Despite being geographically contained for many years, mpox has recently spread to other parts of the world, including Europe and the Americas, prompting international concern. Mpox was declared a global health emergency in August 2022 following the discovery of a new variant in the DRC, which subsequently spread to other countries, including Sweden, Thailand, and Germany.


The Global Spread of Mpox

The spread of mpox beyond its traditional geographic regions has raised new challenges for global health authorities. For years, the virus had been primarily confined to Central and West Africa, where it was considered endemic. However, in recent years, mpox has been increasingly reported in countries that had previously seen few or no cases, including those in Europe and the Americas. This spread has been particularly troubling because it has coincided with the emergence of new variants, which might complicate containment efforts.

In Europe, several cases have already been confirmed, including in Germany and Sweden. Some experts believe that more cases are likely to be confirmed in the coming weeks, especially as testing increases. Roche's ability to produce a high number of testing kits will be crucial in detecting and managing potential outbreaks. However, public awareness and vigilance will also be key in reducing the spread of mpox.

The recent appearance of the new mpox variant in Germany adds an additional layer of concern. While the Robert Koch Institute has assured the public that the general risk remains low, the emergence of a variant highlights the virus's potential for mutation and spread.


This means that even though current measures might be sufficient for now, the situation could change rapidly if the virus begins to evolve in ways that make it more contagious or more severe.


The Role of Roche in Managing the Mpox Crisis

Roche has played a critical role in developing diagnostic tools to detect and manage viral outbreaks, including mpox. During the 2022 outbreak, Roche quickly developed PCR tests to detect the virus, a tool that proved invaluable in tracking and managing the spread of the disease. Now, with a new variant emerging, the company's role is more important than ever.

Schinecker has emphasized that Roche is ready to increase production of its testing kits as needed. Currently, demand for testing is low, but the company’s capacity to increase output by tenfold within months demonstrates a high level of preparedness. This readiness is crucial in ensuring that testing capabilities will not be a bottleneck in the fight against mpox, especially if the virus begins to spread more rapidly or if new, more dangerous variants emerge.


Conclusion: Vigilance and Preparedness Are Key
As the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that we must remain vigilant against other viral threats like mpox. The recent underreporting of cases in Europe, along with the emergence of a new variant, underscores the need for greater transparency, better reporting mechanisms, and increased testing. Roche’s ability to rapidly scale up production of test kits is reassuring, but it is only one piece of the puzzle.

Preventing a full-blown epidemic will require coordinated efforts from public health authorities, governments, and the pharmaceutical industry. Public awareness campaigns, widespread testing, and rapid response measures will be critical in controlling the spread of mpox. Additionally, the role of accurate data cannot be overstated. Only by having a clear understanding of the true scope of the outbreak can effective measures be put in place to protect public health.
 

helen

Panic Sex Lady
Clade 1b in London.

Doctor reveals the MAIN symptoms of Mpox as first case CONFIRMED in UK - London Post

The case which is linked to the outbreak in parts of Africa has now been detected in the UK. The patient had recently been on holiday in Africa and began to feel sick 24 hours after flying home, with the patient starting with flu-like symptoms on October 21, followed by a rash three days later. According to the BBC, they are being treated at the Royal Free Hospitals specialist high consequence infectious diseases unit in London. The condition is understood to be part of the Clade 1b outbreak, which appears to spread more easily between people.
 

helen

Panic Sex Lady
Yesterday, before announcing the London case...

WHO and partners activate Global Health Emergency Corps for the first time in response to mpox outbreak​

29 October 2024
News release

Geneva, Switzerland
 

Heliobas Disciple

TB Fanatic
Clade 1b in London.

Doctor reveals the MAIN symptoms of Mpox as first case CONFIRMED in UK - London Post

The case which is linked to the outbreak in parts of Africa has now been detected in the UK. The patient had recently been on holiday in Africa and began to feel sick 24 hours after flying home, with the patient starting with flu-like symptoms on October 21, followed by a rash three days later. According to the BBC, they are being treated at the Royal Free Hospitals specialist high consequence infectious diseases unit in London. The condition is understood to be part of the Clade 1b outbreak, which appears to spread more easily between people.

(fair use applies)


Mpox Clade Ib Discovered in United Kingdom
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News
Oct 31, 2024


First Detection of New Mpox Variant in the UK
The United Kingdom has recently reported its first case of the mpox variant Clade Ib, a strain that is causing significant concern in parts of Africa due to its increased ability to spread from person to person. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, had already been declared a global health emergency after recent outbreaks. This new variant, Clade Ib, has been circulating in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Rwanda and is known for its higher transmission potential.

The case involves a UK resident who traveled to affected areas in Africa and started experiencing symptoms shortly after returning home. This patient’s illness, which began with flu-like symptoms on October 22, quickly escalated to a skin rash typical of mpox infections. This Medical News report delves into the details of the situation and what UK health authorities are doing to prevent further spread of the virus.


The Patient's Condition and Medical Care
After returning from Africa on October 21, the patient began showing symptoms within a day, including fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, followed by a severe rash on October 24. Seeking medical help at a London hospital, he was tested and asked to isolate until the results confirmed an mpox infection caused by Clade Ib. The patient has since been transferred to the Royal Free Hospital in London, where he is receiving care at a specialized infectious diseases unit.

Mpox symptoms typically begin with fever, headaches, and fatigue, followed by a distinctive rash that can persist for up to a month. The rash often includes pus-filled lesions and can lead to complications if not carefully managed. Clade Ib, which was identified in the UK for the first time in this case, appears to spread more easily through close contact, including intimate physical contact, posing a challenge for containment.


UK Health Agency’s Response and Public Health Measures
In response to this new case, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has swiftly implemented measures to prevent further spread. According to Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at the UKHSA, the agency is tracing fewer than 10 close contacts, most of whom are household members. They are also testing and offering vaccinations to those deemed to be at higher risk. Hopkins stated, "This is the first time we have detected this clade of mpox in the UK, though other cases have been confirmed abroad."

To prevent further transmission, the UKHSA has also raised awareness and heightened mpox testing, especially in major cities like London, Manchester, and Brighton. Vaccination campaigns are being prioritized for those most at risk, particularly in these urban areas.


What Makes Clade Ib Different?
Mpox virus variants, or clades, are categorized based on their genetic differences and how they spread. Clade Ib, which has been detected across multiple African countries, is more transmissible between people than other mpox clades. It can spread through direct contact with an infected person's rash, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials, which heightens the risk of transmission during close interactions.

The Clade Ib variant has been associated with severe illness and higher mortality rates in some African nations. So far, countries including Sweden, India, and Germany have reported cases linked to travel from affected regions, showing that this variant has spread internationally.

In Africa, where Clade Ib is more prevalent, cases have been reported in countries bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. While many infections are mild, the mpox virus can lead to serious health issues in immunocompromised individuals or those with underlying conditions, emphasizing the need for swift containment measures.


Ensuring Public Safety: Actions by the UK Government

The UK government, in collaboration with the UKHSA, is taking active steps to safeguard public health and limit mpox transmission. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting remarked, “We are working with UKHSA and the NHS to protect the public and prevent transmission.” He highlighted the government’s efforts to secure additional vaccines and provide healthcare professionals with essential guidance and resources to manage potential cases safely.

Besides close contact tracing, the UKHSA is treating Clade Ib as a high consequence infectious disease, meaning the agency will monitor any developments closely and adjust response strategies as more data becomes available. As part of their preventative approach, they are making additional vaccines available, especially for high-risk individuals and healthcare workers likely to come into contact with mpox patients.



Conclusion: Staying Vigilant Against Mpox Spread

The first detection of the Clade Ib mpox variant in the UK underlines the importance of rigorous health monitoring and preparedness, especially as more cases are reported globally. The UK Health Security Agency has responded proactively, implementing contact tracing, isolation measures, and vaccination programs to curb further transmission. Although the risk to the general public remains low, the potential for mpox to spread through close contact makes awareness crucial, particularly for those with travel history to affected regions.

While Clade Ib is concerning due to its high transmission rate, the UKHSA’s swift response highlights the efficacy of health surveillance systems in catching cases early. Through informed actions and public cooperation, the UK aims to prevent further spread and safeguard public health. For those concerned, the mpox vaccine provides an additional layer of protection, especially for individuals in high-risk groups.

As health agencies and governments worldwide work together to track and contain mpox, staying informed remains essential.
 

Heliobas Disciple

TB Fanatic
(fair use applies)


UK Reports More Cases of Deadly New Mpox Variant
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team
Nov 05, 2024

The United Kingdom has reported two more cases of a potentially deadly variant of mpox, a viral disease known for causing high fever, severe rash, and, in some cases, death. These additional cases, identified by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), were found among household contacts of the country’s first confirmed case, raising the total number of cases in the UK to three. This Medical News report sheds light on the spread of the virus and current health measures.

The first case of this mpox (Monkeypox) strain, known as Clade Ib, emerged in London on October 30 in a traveler recently returned from Africa, where mpox has surged in specific regions.


The Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring areas have been especially hard-hit, with nearly 1,000 fatalities linked to the disease. Following this initial UK case, the virus was detected in two close contacts, marking the first confirmed cases of Clade Ib mpox in Europe outside Sweden and Germany.


Understanding Mpox Clade Ib and Transmission Risks
The Clade Ib variant of mpox has raised concern among health experts due to its contagious nature, especially within households with close contact. Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, explained, “Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact, so it’s not unexpected to see further cases within the same household.” While this variant appears more serious than the Clade II strain responsible for a global outbreak in 2022, UK health officials maintain that the overall risk to the wider population remains low. Currently, the two new cases are receiving specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.


Mpox is primarily spread through direct contact with the rash, lesions, or scabs characteristic of the disease. Physical closeness, such as skin-to-skin contact, kissing, and sexual contact, increases the likelihood of transmission. There are additional risks from exposure to bodily fluids like saliva, as well as contact with contaminated bedding, towels, or clothing. Prolonged face-to-face interaction, where individuals may cough or sneeze near each other, also presents transmission risks.


Symptoms to Watch For and Spread Prevention
Mpox symptoms generally include fever, headache, backache, and muscle aches, followed by a rash that typically develops one to five days after these initial signs. The rash can appear as blisters, spots, or ulcers, potentially covering different areas of the body. As awareness of the virus grows, UKHSA is working closely with other health organizations to track contacts of confirmed cases, provide necessary testing, and offer vaccinations where needed.

To minimize the spread, the UK government and public health authorities emphasize the importance of identifying cases quickly and maintaining vigilance in household and healthcare settings. Although the virus’s potential impact is concerning, officials reassure that the current risk to the UK population remains controlled. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting stated, “We’re working closely with UKHSA and the NHS to secure vaccines, provide guidance for healthcare workers, and support affected countries internationally.”


Global Impact and Ongoing Surveillance

Mpox has spread across several countries, particularly in Africa, where it has impacted Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, among others. A recent report from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention indicated over 40,000 mpox cases and nearly 1,000 deaths in Africa by the end of September 2024. Mpox was declared a public health emergency of international concern earlier this year.

Health experts continue to monitor and study the Clade Ib variant, hoping to mitigate any widespread effects beyond the current cases. The UKHSA is engaged in collaborative efforts with health partners to track and contain the virus, with emphasis on international cooperation to support affected regions.


Conclusion

As the UK experiences a small but significant uptick in mpox cases, health authorities remain on high alert, implementing strict containment measures to protect public health. The current strain, Clade Ib, has proven particularly transmissible among close contacts, underscoring the importance of awareness and prompt medical response. With specialized care and ongoing research, the government is working to limit the impact of mpox and maintain low risk levels for the broader population.
 
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