• South Korea has reported eleven cases of the less deadly Clade II variant of the Mpox virus this year.
• The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has strengthened border screening procedures to prevent the spread of the more deadly new variant.
• The KDCA remains confident in managing the outbreak and will continue to monitor for the possible influx of variants from overseas.
• The Mpox situation in South Korea and globally is being closely monitored by health authorities, with increased vigilance and preventative measures due to the potential for the spread of more virulent variants.

South Korea has reported eleven cases of the Mpox virus this year, all of which were identified as the less deadly Clade II variant, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The latest case was reported last month, prompting health authorities to strengthen screening procedures at borders to prevent the spread of the more deadly new variant.

The KDCA has been vigilant in monitoring the situation, especially considering the global health emergency declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to Mpox outbreaks in 14 African countries. The outbreak in Africa is primarily driven by the more virulent and deadly Clade 1b variant, which is causing a significant number of infections among children.

The majority of the Mpox cases in South Korea have been reported in males aged between 20 to 40 in the greater Seoul area. The primary route of infection is through close skin contact, distinguishing Mpox from respiratory illnesses that are typically transmitted through everyday activities.

South Korea's Response to Mpox Outbreak

Despite the rising number of cases, the KDCA remains confident in managing the outbreak under the current system. As Mpox is a disease that can be prevented and treated, we believe that the outbreak can be managed stably under the current system, the KDCA stated. The agency also assured that the government will continue to monitor for the possible influx of variants from overseas.

In a proactive measure, the KDCA decided to redesignate Mpox as an infectious disease subject to border screening earlier this month. Arrivals who have visited eight African nations, including Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Kenya, Congo, and the Republic of the Congo, are required to report to officials if they exhibit symptoms related to Mpox, such as fever, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

Outside of Africa, the Clade 1b variant has spread only to Sweden in Europe and Thailand in Asia. Health officials in these countries are on high alert, with plans underway to tackle a possible outbreak. Despite the global concern, European health authorities have ruled out imposing border controls as the risk of a global virus outbreak is still considered "low".

Global Impact and Response to Mpox

The Mpox virus has also been detected in the wastewater in California, indicating the presence of the virus in the community. Wastewater surveillance data is useful because sewage can be tested to detect traces of infectious diseases circulating in a community, even if people don't have symptoms.

The Mpox outbreak has raised concerns globally, but experts have emphasized that it is not the new COVID-19. The WHO has stated that it is not recommending the use of masks for Mpox and that studies on the efficacy of different vaccines would continue in Africa while shots are being administered.

The Mpox virus is not a new phenomenon. It has been known to science for many years, and there have been outbreaks in the past. However, the current outbreak is of concern due to the spread of the more virulent Clade 1b variant. The situation is reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when a new variant of a known virus began spreading rapidly across the globe.

While the number of cases in South Korea is currently low, the potential for the spread of more virulent variants has led to increased vigilance and preventative measures. The situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by infectious diseases and the importance of robust public health systems in managing these threats.

The world has learned valuable lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is crucial that these lessons are applied to effectively manage the Mpox outbreak and prevent a similar global crisis.