The American Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been closely monitoring the spread of a highly fatal new strain that has appeared in the Republic of Congo, referring to it as a global threat if the strain is to spread to areas beyond Africa. The increase in infection cases is attributed to one family of the virus that has spread in Africa: Clade I, which causes severe and deadly disease, and Clade II, which led to the global outbreak about two years ago. Since 2023, the Congo has reported an unprecedented number of infections due to the Clade I strain, which has begun to spread to other countries.
However, no cases outside of the continent have been reported so far. In adults, most infections have been transmitted through sexual relations between men. Some cases of infection in women have occurred.
In children, most infections are caused by contact with infected animals or humans. Meanwhile, there has been a new outbreak of the original monkeypox virus throughout the world, including in Israel. In January 2024, The Israeli Health Ministry reported 14 cases of the virus - In February, there were seven cases, while in March, there were three.
In response to the cases, said, "We are constantly monitoring the incidences of monkeypox and recommend that populations at risk of infection receive two doses of the vaccine for the virus a month apart. We recommend this for men who have relations with other men, especially in casual encounters." Monkeypox was given its n.