Health officials have identified a new variant of monkeypox (mpox) and are concerned about changes in its transmission.
In a study published in Nature Medicine, a team of international researchers from across six different countries are warning that the newly-discovered mpox variant has mutated and that these mutations have concerning implications for human populations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and beyond.
One of the major concerns about the new mpox variant is that it has become much more infectious. Genetic analyses, conducted by the international research team, has revealed that the variant’s mutations are now making it easier to transmit the virus between humans.
Due to this increase in infectiousness, the new variant is spreading rapidly not only within the DRC and neighboring countries within Africa but also internationally to places like Sweden and Thailand.
In a press release, Professor Frank Aarestrup, from DTU National Food Institute, noted ...
