The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first case of clade 1b mpox in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The infected individual had recently traveled from Uganda, which has recorded 2,479 confirmed mpox cases and 16 deaths since July.
Spread and Severity of the Disease
According to WHO’s latest multi-country report, Uganda has reported 1,127 confirmed cases in the past six weeks, making it the second-highest affected country in Africa. However, the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi has remained stable in recent months.
First Case in the UAE
The patient in the UAE developed symptoms on January 11 and was diagnosed with mpox on January 18. The individual is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
Risk of Community Transmission
At least seven cases of mpox have been identified among travelers returning from the UAE, raising concerns about possible community transmission in the country.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral disease related to smallpox that spreads through close contact and contaminated materials such as clothing, bedsheets, and needles.
Potential Health Risks
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that while some clade I mpox outbreaks have had a fatality rate of up to 10%, recent outbreaks have shown lower death rates. Infants, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women are at higher risk of severe infections.
