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The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Thursday that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reported its first case of clade 1b mpox. The case, diagnosed on January 18, involves an adult patient who had recently traveled to Uganda. Uganda has been a hotspot for the outbreak, with 2,479 confirmed cases and 16 deaths since the outbreak began in July.
Ugandan Outbreak Update
According to WHO’s recent multi-country external situation report, Uganda has continued to face an escalating outbreak, with 1,127 new confirmed cases in the last six weeks alone. This surge accounts for over a third of all confirmed mpox cases in Africa during this period. The situation contrasts with trends in neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi, where the outbreak appears to have stabilized in recent months.
The Mpox Virus: Symptoms and Transmission
Mpox is a viral disease closely related to the now-eradicated smallpox virus. It spreads through close physical contact, as well as through contaminated materials such as clothing, sheets, and needles. The disease can result in fever, rashes, and swollen lymph nodes, and while it is generally less severe than smallpox, it can still be deadly, especially in vulnerable populations.
The UAE patient started experiencing symptoms on January 11 and was diagnosed a week later. The patient’s identity, including their age, has not been disclosed. As of now, the individual is being treated in a hospital, and authorities have indicated that the patient’s condition is under medical care.
Possible Community Transmission in the UAE
WHO also noted that at least seven cases of mpox have been identified in other countries among travelers who had returned from the UAE. This suggests the possibility of community transmission within the UAE, raising concerns about further spread of the virus.
Risk of Severe Infection
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted that while recent outbreaks of clade 1 mpox have had lower death rates compared to earlier outbreaks, the virus still poses significant risks. People who are most at risk for severe infection include infants, pregnant women, and individuals with severely weakened immune systems.
Ongoing Global Response
As the outbreak continues to affect countries across the globe, health organizations, including the WHO and CDC, are monitoring the situation closely. Efforts to prevent further spread include heightened surveillance, awareness campaigns, and travel advisories, especially for countries reporting significant outbreaks like Uganda.
