Warning Sign in the Sewers: Severe Clade 1 Mpox Detected in US Wastewater, Here's Everything You Need To Know

A concerning public health development has unfolded in the US following the detection of the more virulent Clade 1 strain of the mpox virus in wastewater samples. The finding, which occurred on September 24 in Pierce County, Washington, has already alarmed health officials and indicates that undiagnosed or unreported instances of the severe viral infection might be spreading in the community.

Mpox, which was previously referred to as monkeypox, is caused by a virus in the smallpox family. It has two major genetic groups, or clades: Clade I and Clade II. The importance of this discovery is that Clade I, specifically subvariant Clade 1B, is responsible for increased severity of illness, transmission, and mortality over the Clade II strain that sparked the 2022 pandemic. Historically, Clade I has predominated in Central Africa.

Increased Surveillance and Health Hazards

After detection of the wastewater, government agencies, such as the local health agencies and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have put increased surveillance and monitoring efforts in place nationwide. Although no reported clinical cases of Clade 1 mpox have been made publicly available in the region so far, the wastewater data are an important early warning.

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Causes of Clade 1 Mpox 

The virus is transmitted mainly by close and extended contact with the body fluids, scabs, or rashes of an infected individual. This may be intimate and sexual contact, face-to-face contact, or touching infected objects such as bedding or clothing. The virus can also be transmitted from pregnant women to their unborn children. While pets such as cats and dogs have not been extensively reported to be infected, experts warn that they can be vulnerable if they come into contact with ill people.

Symptoms and Possible Complications of Clade 1 Mpox 

Symptoms of mpox usually develop within 21 days of infection and often start with signs of flu, such as:

• Fever and chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headaches
• Fatigue and pain in muscles

The characteristic of the disease is a clear rash that goes through stages, developing blisters and ultimately crusting over.

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Complications due to mpox, especially with the Clade 1 strain, can be serious. These can consist of systemic illnesses that cause blindness or death in extreme cases. Patients can also suffer from severe pain from genital rashes, eating and drinking problems caused by lesions in the throat, and, in extremely rare cases, brain infection (encephalitis) or changes in mood.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Clade 1 Mpox 

Diagnosis is established through laboratory tests that search for viral DNA. There is no cure, but supportive therapy is administered for symptoms and antivirals such as tecovirimat can be administered in some cases.

Public health professionals stress that although the risk to the general population is still low now, the wastewater detection highlights the importance of remaining on guard. Keeping watch for signs and remaining well-informed through good health agency reports are important measures to stop any possible spread.