Mpox in China: New mutated strain of mpox virus, clade 1b detected

After France, the new strain of the mutated monkeypox virus, clade 1b has been identified in China. The news comes amidst growing concerns around the HMPV infection in China.

"Recently, a cluster outbreak of monkeypox virus subclade Ib was discovered in the country. The source of infection was a foreigner with a history of living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After the outbreak was discovered, the state and provinces (cities) such as Zhejiang, Guangdong, Beijing, and Tianjin quickly launched a joint prevention and control mechanism to carry out epidemiological investigation and tracing, risk investigation, case diagnosis and treatment, and 4 related cases were found among close contacts, all of which were infected after close contact. The related cases mainly showed symptoms such as rash and herpes, and the symptoms were relatively mild. At present, no infected persons have been found among general contacts. The related infected persons and risk persons are receiving medical treatment and health observation, and the epidemic has been effectively handled," the China CDC has said.

Mpox symptoms seen

As per the reports, the patients showed symptoms like rashes and herpes. Common symptoms of mpox include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Within a few days, a rash typically appears, starting as flat red spots that evolve into fluid-filled blisters or pustules before crusting over and falling off. The rash often begins on the face, hands, or feet but can spread to other parts of the body, including the genitals. Mpox symptoms usually last 2-4 weeks and are generally mild, though severe cases can occur.

Measures taken by the authorities in China

After the detection of the case, authorities in China have asked citizens to report their status to customs upon entry into China from countries (or regions) where monkeypox is prevalent, who have been in contact with monkeypox patients or exhibit symptoms.

On WeChat account, the China CDC has published a notice urging people to avoid close contact with mpox patients or individuals showing suspicious symptoms of mpox. It has also asked people not to come into contact with rodents, primates.