Roger-Luc Chayer (Image : Pixabay)
Mpox, or Monkeypox, resurfaces in the gay community
Mpox, or monkeypox, resurfaces in the gay community, infecting two people in Los Angeles who had not traveled recently, indicating that the virus is now circulating within the homosexual community.
Even worse, unlike the 2022-2023 wave, which involved clade 2b, the variant detected in Los Angeles is clade 1, the most virulent and dangerous.
What are the differences between clade 1 and clade 2b?
Clade I and clade 2b of the Mpox virus differ mainly in their virulence and mortality rate. Clade I, formerly called « Central African, » is much more virulent, causing more severe forms of the disease and presenting a higher risk of death. It tends to spread more easily from person to person, and the symptoms are often more severe, with more frequent complications.
Clade 2b, which was predominant during the 2022-2023 wave, is less virulent and generally causes milder symptoms and less severe cases, which explains why recent outbreaks have been less deadly despite their spread. Thus, the presence of clade I in a population that had not been previously exposed represents a much greater public health risk.
Situation in Los Angeles
According to ABC News, the Los Angeles County health authorities announced on Friday that they are investigating a possible local spread of a more severe strain of mpox.
Two cases of this strain were identified among residents of Los Angeles County with no recent travel history.
This follows the first U.S. case of this more severe strain of mpox without a known travel link, identified in a patient from Long Beach, California, bringing the total number of cases in the state to three.
« The confirmation of a third case with no travel history raises concerns about possible local spread in Los Angeles County, » said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer, in a press release. « We are working closely with our partners to identify potential sources and understand how this potentially more serious type of the mpox virus may be spreading. »
What are the symptoms of this more aggressive variant?
Clade I of the Mpox virus, more aggressive, generally causes more severe symptoms than other strains. Infected individuals often experience high fever, severe muscle and joint pain, and intense fatigue. Skin rashes appear quickly and are more widespread, potentially forming deeply inflamed pustules that sometimes leave lasting scars. Lymph nodes can be severely swollen, and serious complications such as secondary infections, respiratory involvement, or neurological disorders can occur, making the disease more dangerous and clinically more difficult to manage.
How to best prevent infection?
To best protect against Mpox infection, it is essential to limit close contact with anyone showing symptoms, particularly skin lesions or characteristic rashes. Maintaining strict hand hygiene and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces helps reduce the risk of transmission. The use of barrier protection, such as condoms or gloves when in contact with lesions, also decreases the likelihood of infection.
Vaccination, when available and recommended by health authorities, is an effective means of prevention, especially for at-risk populations or people living in areas where the virus is circulating. It is also important to stay informed of official recommendations and consult a healthcare professional promptly if symptoms appear or after contact with an infected person.
Is vaccination free in Canada and Europe?
Mpox vaccination is available free of charge in Canada and Europe for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as for transgender and non-binary people, according to specific eligibility criteria.
Canada
In Canada, Mpox vaccination is offered free to people considered at high risk of exposure. Eligibility criteria generally include MSM with multiple sexual partners, partners with multiple partners, recent sexually transmitted infections, or sexual contacts in places such as saunas or bars. Vaccines are administered in two doses, spaced at least 28 days apart, for optimal protection. Vaccination is available in specialized clinics, pharmacies, and community health centers.
Europe
In Europe, the availability of Mpox vaccination varies by country. In countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Portugal, vaccination is offered free to MSM and transgender people considered at high risk. Eligibility criteria include behaviors such as having multiple sexual partners, recent bacterial infections, or frequenting sexual venues.
France
In France, preventive Mpox vaccination is recommended for MSM with multiple partners, transgender people with multiple partners, sex workers, professionals working in sexual consumption venues, and people sharing a household with those mentioned above. Vaccination is free and available by appointment only at specialized health centers. It is recommended to consult mpox-info-service.fr to locate available vaccination centers.
Belgium
In Belgium, Mpox vaccination is offered free to MSM with multiple partners, transgender people with multiple partners, sex workers, and immunocompromised individuals. Vaccines are administered in HIV reference centers, such as the MIA Center at CHU Saint-Pierre in Brussels. Vaccination is free and available by appointment only. It is recommended to contact specialized centers for information on vaccination procedures.
Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, Mpox vaccination is recommended for people at high risk of exposure, including MSM with multiple partners, transgender people with multiple partners, sex workers, and immunocompromised individuals. Vaccination is free and administered in two doses for the general population and three doses for immunocompromised people. Vaccines are available by appointment at the National Infectious Diseases Service of the Luxembourg Hospital Center.
AVDERTISING
