The new strain of ampox is a big threat to children, expert gave frightening information

New Delhi: A frightening information has come to light about the rapidly spreading ampox virus in Africa. Experts say that the new and deadly ampox strain-clade 1B is a big threat to children. On August 15, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared ampox a ‘global health emergency’. This strain is completely different from the experience made worldwide in the year 2022. The 2022 strain was driven by clade II, which is less dangerous. The virus was mainly seen in men who had sex with other men. Since then, WHO has recorded 99,176 cases and 208 deaths due to ampox in 116 countries. A total of 30 cases have been found in India so far. Its last case was reported in March 2024. The number of cases and deaths in Africa has increased significantly this year, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths recorded so far in 2024. This new strain is primarily caused by clade 1B which spread from animals to humans in September 2023. Dr. Rajiv Jayadevan, co-chairman of the National Covid-19 Task Force of the Indian Medical Association, said that the pattern of spread of this strain is quite different from the cases experienced in 2022. he/she said that this time a large number of people are getting infected, including women and children. However, it has been seen that ampox spreads due to physical contact or sexual contact. As was seen in the 2022 strain. Then the infection was largely limited to men who have sex with men.

This virus is dangerous for children

According to a report, in the previous strain, the cases of this virus in children were very less, while in the present time the chances of this strain of virus in children are increasing. Dr. Rohit Garg, infectious disease consultant at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said, ‘Mpox is posing a big threat to children, there are more cases in children than in adults.’ he/she said, ‘Recent data has indicated an increase in this virus in children, children show symptoms similar to adults but potentially face serious consequences.’

What do WHO figures say?

According to WHO (2022-2024) data, as of July 2024, 1,156 (1.3 percent) cases were reported in the 0-17 age group, of which 333 (0.4 percent) were in the 0-4 age group. Rohit Garg said, ‘The changes seen recently include high transmission rates in homes and schools, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and preventive measures.’ This suggests that we need to keep an open mind about the possible modes of transmission. Jayadevan said, amid the debate on whether transmission can occur through air. he/she said that the thing is that children are getting infected easily. Which suggests that contact or respiratory infection, both these ways can potentially be involved. However, this needs to be investigated.