China Detects Five Cases of New Mpox Strain Clade Ib From Congo Traveler

Jan 9, 2025, 12:15 PM

China has detected its first outbreak of a new mutated strain of the mpox virus, identified as clade Ib. The outbreak was traced back to a foreign individual who had lived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Chinese health authorities reported five cases in total, including the initial case and four others among close contacts, all displaying mild symptoms. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the outbreak has been effectively managed, with infected individuals and those at risk receiving medical treatment and being monitored. This development comes after the World Health Organization declared the mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency last year.