Argentina Quarantines Ship Over Suspected Mpox Case Amid Global Alert

Argentine authorities have quarantined a Liberian-flagged cargo ship in the Parana River due to a suspected case of mpox. The crew member with symptoms has been isolated, and tests are underway. This comes as the WHO declared a new faster-spreading variant of the virus a global public health emergency.

Argentine authorities have quarantined a cargo ship in the Parana River over a suspected case of mpox aboard, according to a government statement released on Tuesday. This action comes as global public health authorities remain vigilant about a potentially faster-spreading variant of the virus.

The Liberian-flagged ship had been sailing from Santos, Brazil, to pick up a soy cargo. Authorities were alerted when a crew member of Indian nationality exhibited cyst-like skin lesions predominantly on the chest and face. The individual has been isolated from the rest of the crew as a precaution.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years. This comes amid concerns over a new variant spreading rapidly in Africa and its first case outside the continent reported in Sweden. In response, Argentina's health ministry activated emergency protocols, quarantining the ship near the inland grains port of Rosario. The entire crew is required to quarantine pending test results.

Mpox, known for causing pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms, is generally mild but can be fatal. The clade 1b strain is of particular concern due to its ease of spread through routine close contact. Thirteen countries across the Americas have reported mpox cases caused by other strains this year. Argentina has previously recorded eight cases but none of the clade 1b variant.

Meanwhile, vaccine production decisions are awaited from Denmark's Bavarian Nordic, and Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche aims to increase its laboratory testing capacity.

(With inputs from agencies.)