ECDC Raises Mpox Risk Level Amid Congo Outbreak

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) has raised its risk level for mpox from 'low' to 'moderate'. The agency urged heightened awareness, especially among travellers from affected areas such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a more transmissible variant, clade Ib, has emerged.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) on Friday elevated its risk assessment for mpox from 'low' to 'moderate', urging countries to maintain high levels of awareness among travellers from affected areas.

Currently, the Democratic Republic of Congo is witnessing an outbreak of an endemic strain known as clade I. A newly identified variant, clade Ib, appears to spread more easily through close contact, including sexual contact.

Mpox typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions but can be fatal in rare cases, underlining the need for vigilance.

(With inputs from agencies.)