Roger-Luc Chayer (Image: IA – Gay Globe)
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued the highest possible international alert this week following the discovery of the first case of a new, more virulent and deadly strain of Mpox in Sweden, known as clade 1b.
According to a statement released by the WHO on August 14: « WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has determined that the resurgence of monkeypox (mpox) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and an increasing number of African countries constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR). The emergence last year of a new viral strain in the DRC, clade 1b, its rapid spread, which seems to be primarily through sexual networks, and its detection in neighboring countries of the DRC are particularly concerning and are among the main reasons for the PHEIC declaration. »
Unfortunately, just two days after the international alert issued by the WHO, the first case of Mpox – Clade 1b appeared in Sweden, a European country. It is therefore conceivable that the disease could quickly spread to other European countries, given the open borders.
The Rest of Europe
France and several other European countries have put their healthcare systems on high alert due to fears of significant spread of this strain, not only among men in the gay community but also in the general population, as its transmission is not limited to close contact. Children and the elderly could thus be infected by medical personnel without knowing it. Authorities are particularly concerned about clade 1b because it causes skin eruptions all over the body, unlike previous strains that were characterized by eruptions and lesions localized to the mouth, face, or genital areas.
Clade 1b also spreads more rapidly than previous strains, with a 160% increase in cases in 2024. The danger posed by this strain has led the WHO to trigger its highest level of health alert.
Another difference with this strain of Mpox Clade 1b is that it might also be transmitted via respiratory droplets from an infected person, reports the Pasteur Institute.
Situation in Quebec and Canada
For the moment, despite the sharp increase in Mpox in Toronto in recent days, there is no evidence that Clade 1b is responsible. It is believed to be the classic strain of Mpox that spread within the gay community during the Toronto Pride events. See our related article.
According to Health Canada: « All mpox cases reported in Canada have been caused by clade IIb of the mpox virus. Current reports suggest that mpox clade II is less severe than clade I. Cases of mpox clade IIb continue to be detected and reported across Canada. Between January 1 and August 12, 2024, 164 cases were reported to PHAC, of which 162 were confirmed and 2 were probable. To date, no cases of clade I have been identified in Canada. »
Treatment and Prevention
Currently, there is no specific treatment for the virus; only supportive medications can be used. In certain complications, antibiotics or antivirals may be prescribed. Vaccination against Mpox is free in many countries, including Canada and Quebec. It is highly recommended to get vaccinated not only to prevent the spread of the disease but also to reduce its symptoms in case of contact with the virus. The vaccination is very effective.