The World Health Organization has declared a new mpox variant, Clade IIc, a public health emergency of international concern after rapid spread across 35 countries with higher transmissibility than previous strains.
What's Different
Clade IIc spreads more easily through respiratory droplets and surfaces compared to earlier variants. It has a 3% mortality rate in unvaccinated populations, though existing mpox vaccines remain 85% effective against the new strain.
US Response
The CDC has activated emergency stockpiles of the Jynneos vaccine and recommends vaccination for at-risk populations. Testing capacity has been expanded to all major hospital labs.
- 35 countries reporting cases
- 3% mortality rate in unvaccinated
- Jynneos vaccine 85% effective
- CDC activates emergency vaccine stockpiles
