A suspected initial case of a new, more dangerous strain of mpox has been reported in Thailand involving a European traveler.
The individual, a 66-year-old man arriving from an undisclosed African country on August 14, is believed to have contracted the Clade 1 variant, known for its increased lethality and transmissibility. This variant prompted a recent warning from the global health authority.
Preparations are underway in the UK for potential occurrences of the new mpox strain following the confirmation of Europe’s first case of the more deadly variant in Sweden last week.
Health authorities are organizing strategies to address a possible outbreak in the UK, ensuring healthcare professionals are alert to symptoms and rapid testing is readily available.
Despite concerns, European health authorities have decided against implementing border restrictions, citing a current low risk of widespread virus transmission.
In Argentina, a cargo ship has been quarantined due to the suspicion of the first mpox case on board after a crew member exhibited “cyst-like skin lesions,” as reported by the health ministry.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency in response to a new mpox outbreak in multiple African nations, with at least three cases confirmed outside Africa.
Vocabulary List:
- Emergency /ɪˈmɜːr.dʒən.si/ (noun): A serious unexpected and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.
- Strain /streɪn/ (noun): A genetic variant or subtype of a microorganism.
- Transmissibility /trænzˌmɪsəˈbɪlɪti/ (noun): The ability to be transmitted from one individual to another.
- Quarantined /ˈkwɔrəntiːnd/ (verb): To isolate a person or animal to prevent the spread of disease.
- Symptoms /ˈsɪmp.təmz/ (noun): Physical or mental features that indicate a condition or disease.
- Outbreak /ˈaʊt.breɪk/ (noun): A sudden increase in the occurrence of a disease in a particular time and place.
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