New mpox variant could also reach the Netherlands, says virologist

It is probably only a matter of time before a new variant of mpox, also known as monkeypox virus, appears in the Netherlands. However, the risk is low, as the disease is easy to control and enough vaccines are available for the time being, according to virologist Chantal Reusken of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

The new virus variant has been circulating in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa since the end of last year. In recent weeks, the variant (clade) has also emerged in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. One person who had been there tested positive for the infection after returning to Sweden. This is the first case outside Africa. As a result, the World Health Organization has declared a state of emergency.

An import of the virus, like in Sweden, could also occur in the Netherlands, says Reusken. "The larger the spread area in Africa, the more likely it is that returnees will bring the variant with them, including to the Netherlands. The question is whether this will lead to larger outbreaks, and with the current knowledge, we see this risk as low."

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) also stated that the likelihood of "sustained transmission in Europe is very low" if imported cases are diagnosed quickly and appropriate health measures are taken early to control them, euronews reports.

According to Reusken, the situation in Central Africa is completely different from that in Europe. The patient in Sweden was immediately tested and isolated. All contact persons who could be infected are quickly and thoroughly identified and monitored. "That's what you have to do, and that's what will also happen in the Netherlands. The disease can be brought under control if people have access to care, if the disease is recognized, and if control measures can be taken. You need a good healthcare system for that, "the virologist explains.

The mpox or monkeypox virus exists in two variants. Clade I originally comes from Congo, clade II from West Africa. This second variant was circulating in Europe two years ago. This outbreak mainly affected men who have sex with men and have sexual contact with frequently changing partners. The current sub-variant, Ib, is more commonly spread through heterosexual contact. "That doesn't mean it hasn't happened before, but the proportion seems higher now," says Reusken.

The current version appears to be more contagious than the variant from 2022. It is not clear whether the new version is also more deadly or what impact this will have in Europe. Reusken emphasizes that the relatively high mortality rate in Africa could also be due to other health risks.