New Monkeypox Variant Transfers Easier and Sparks Global Concern

Learn more about recent monkeypox mutations that have increased the disease’s ability to spread between humans.

By Stephanie Edwards
Feb 20, 2025 9:30 PMMar 21, 2025 4:50 PM
mpox virus
(Credit: Dotted Yeti/Shutterstock)

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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. 

Increase in Infection

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. 

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