Mpox Clade 1b Spreads to Europe Amid Vaccine Shortages

The clade 1b mpox variant, known for its significant threat and up to a 10% mortality rate in children, has recently been detected in Europe. This development follows reports of dozens of cases appearing across the continent, signaling a concerning spread beyond its primary endemic regions in central Africa.

Experts attribute this expansion to a critical failure in vaccine distribution to populations most vulnerable in Africa. Consequently, mpox has continued to spread, leading to considerable suffering and an increased risk of international emergence. The World Health Organization has identified 17 countries currently experiencing active mpox transmission.

While an effective vaccine exists, challenges in access and distribution persist, particularly in Africa. In response, a new contract with the European Commission aims to provide up to eight million vaccine doses to European nations, with provisions for low-income countries, offering a potential step towards better global control of the virus.