Preparation for Severe Version of MPOX in the U.S.

SOURCE www.nbcnews.com
The U.S. is preparing for a more severe version of mpox, known as clade 1, which has caused over 600 deaths in Africa. The government is expanding surveillance efforts, making testing more widely available, and ensuring vaccines are accessible for high-risk individuals.

Key Points

  • Over 24,800 reported cases of clade 1 so far this year
  • CDC reports recent death rates of 1% to 3.3%
  • Jynneos mpox vaccine effective against both clade 1 and clade 2
  • Vaccine recommendation remains limited to high-risk individuals

Pros

  • Government expanding surveillance efforts
  • Testing becoming more widely available
  • Vaccines effective against both clade 1 and clade 2

Cons

  • No approved treatments for mpox currently
  • TPOXX antiviral treatment found not effective against clade 1