Mpox outbreak: What to know about the virus' symptoms, severity as it spreads

The strain of mpox causing international concern is different than the one that spread in 2022. Here's what to know about the virus' symptoms and how it spreads.

The World Health Organization’s decision to declare mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years may seem like déjà vu — but there are key differences between the strain that’s causing international concern now and the one that spread in 2022.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection characterized by painful lesions. It’s spread by direct contact with an infected person, animal or contaminated items like clothing or bedding.

The virus is classified into two distinct groups: clade I and clade II. 

Clade II was responsible for the 2022 outbreak, which has led to around 100,000 cases worldwide. 

But now, a version of clade I has spread internationally. The outbreak started in January 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and has since reached 12 other countries in the region.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/mpox-virus-outbreak-symptoms-2024-spread-rcna166778

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