By Ashima Sharda Mahindra
Copyright timesnownews
US health officials have detected the deadly Clade 1 mpox strain in wastewater samples, according to the Pierce County administration. According to experts, this discovery has called for a prompt monitoring of the alarming situation, as it indicates the presence of undiagnosed or unreported cases of mpox. Formerly known as monkeypox, mpox is an infectious viral disease that occurs in humans and other animals. Symptoms include a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over, as well as fever and swollen lymph nodes. “The discovery, made on Sept. 24, has prompted the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state health department to increase wastewater testing,” KOMO News reported. No further details have been given as of now. What is clade 1 mpox? The Clade 1 strain of the mpox virus spreads regularly in Central Africa. According to experts, it tends to cause more serious illness with mpox and is linked to more deaths from the deadly condition. It may also spread more easily than Aclade 2. Doctors say the Clade 1B subvariant is also associated with more severe disease and higher transmissibility compared to Clade II. How does Clade 1 mpox transmit? Mostly, the mpox virus is linked to international travel or animal trade. However, doctors say you can spread the virus from one person to another through: Direct contact with the rashes, scabs, or body fluids of a person with mpox Close, face-to-face contact, intimate activities, and sexual contact Contact with fabrics or objects that have touched the rashes or body fluids of a person with mpox pregnant woman who gets mpox can pass the virus to the unborn baby. The virus also spreads to humans from direct contact with an infected animal, such as: Animal bites or scratches Contact with the animal’s waste or body fluids. In places where mpox spreads regularly, processing animals for food, including hunting or trapping, skinning, cooking, or eating. Rodents can be infected with viruses in the same family as the monkeypox virus. But to date, no cases of these animals getting mpox have been reported. And it’s not clear whether pets, such as cats or dogs, get sick from mpox. But health agencies think people with viral infections could spread the virus to a pet through petting, hugging, or other close contact. What are the complications caused by mpox? Mpox is highly transmissible and can lead to serious complications, which include: Other infections in organs or throughout the body. These infections can be serious and lead to permanent changes, such as loss of vision or death. People with mpox rash in their genital areas can have serious pain that needs to be treated in the hospital. An mpox rash in the mouth or throat can cause trouble eating or drinking. If you can’t take in enough fluids, you may need to get fluids through a vein.In some people, mpox can lead to mood disturbance or a brain infection called encephalitis. Signs and symptoms of mpox Doctors say the symptoms of mpox tend to start within 21 days after you come in contact with the virus. Apart from flu, and a sore throat, other signs include: Swollen lymph nodes High fever and chills Severe headache Backache Feeling very tired, called fatigue Muscle aches and backaches
