US health officials have confirmed the first case of a new form of the Mpox virus that was first seen in eastern Congo. According to the California Department of Public Health, the man had traveled to East Africa and was treated in Northern California upon his return.

Doctors say that his symptoms are now improving and the risk to people is less.

The state health department has informed us that the individual is now isolated at home and health workers are reaching out to close contacts as a precaution.

Mpox cases are widespread around the world

Earlier this year, scientists reported the emergence of a new form of mpox in Africa that spreads through close contact, including sex.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 3,100 confirmed cases of mpox have been reported since late September, mainly in Burundi, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cases of the new variant have also been found in Germany, India, Kenya, Sweden, Thailand, Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom.

Health officials have indicated that the situation in Congo appears to be stabilizing. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that Congo needs at least 3 million Mpox vaccines to curb the spread, with another 7 million vaccines needed for the rest of Africa.

Earlier this month, health officials said the situation in Congo appeared to be stabilizing. Africa CDC has estimated that Congo needs at least 3 million Mpox vaccines to stop the spread, and another 7 million vaccines are needed for the rest of Africa. Its spread occurs mostly through sexual transmission as well as close contact between children, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups.

What is MPOX?

Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with a virus that is in the same family as the one that causes smallpox. It is endemic in parts of Africa, where people have become infected through the bites of rodents or small animals. Mild symptoms may include fever, chills, and body aches. In more severe cases, people may have sores on their face, hands, chest, and genitals.

The current outbreak is separate from the global outbreak of mpox in 2022 where gay and bisexual men made up the majority of cases.

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