CDC Warns of Global Threat as Clade I Monkeypox Cases Surge in Democratic Republic of Congo: Nearly 20,000 Suspected Cases, 975 Deaths

CDC warns of global threat as clade I monkeypox cases surge in Democratic Republic of Congo
Children and adolescents ages 15 years and younger accounted for 67% of all suspected cases and 78% of deaths from mpox in the DRC during this period
Clade I mpox can result in more severe illness and higher mortality compared to clade II
FDA-approved mpox vaccine (Jynneos) offers protection against both clade I and clade II mpox
Nearly 20,000 suspected cases and 975 deaths reported from January 1, 2023 to April 14, 2024
Public health measures such as promoting safe sex practices, avoiding close contact with infected individuals or animals, and practicing good hand hygiene can help prevent the spread of mpox
CDC Warns of Global Threat as Clade I Monkeypox Cases Surge in Democratic Republic of Congo: Nearly 20,000 Suspected Cases, 975 Deaths

The increasing number of suspected clade I mpox virus cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) poses a global threat for potential spread, the CDC said.

From Jan. 1, 2023 to April 14, 2024, multiple outbreaks of clade I mpox occurred across 25 of the DRC's 26 provinces, with nearly 20,000 suspected cases and 975 deaths, reported Jennifer McQuiston, DVM, of the CDC's National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, and colleagues in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Half of those cases occurred in the Equateur province, with a case fatality rate of 5.7% compared with 4.3% for the rest of the country.

In light of the 2022 global outbreak of clade II mpox, the increase in suspected clade I cases in DRC raises concerns about global spread, as well as potential differences in transmission and susceptibility between clades. The CDC is working to increase surveillance and expand diagnostic testing capacity for clade I mpox in response to the rise in cases in the DRC.

Clade I mpox can result in more severe illness and higher mortality compared to clade II. According to the CDC, children and adolescents ages 15 years and younger accounted for 67% of all suspected cases and 78% of deaths from mpox in the DRC during this period. Clade I mpox is more likely to be sexually transmitted if introduced into the U.S., affecting populations such as men who have sex with men and sex workers, and less likely to affect children.

The FDA-approved mpox vaccine (Jynneos) became commercially available in April 2024, offering protection against both clade I and clade II mpox. The CDC is working closely with local health departments and international partners to coordinate a vaccination program that prioritizes those at highest risk of contracting the virus.

In addition to vaccination, public health measures such as promoting safe sex practices, avoiding close contact with infected individuals or animals, and practicing good hand hygiene can help prevent the spread of mpox. The CDC will continue to monitor the situation in the DRC and around the world to provide updates and guidance as needed.

In summary, the recent increase in suspected clade I mpox cases in the DRC poses a significant global threat, particularly given its higher severity and transmissibility compared to clade II. The CDC is taking steps to increase surveillance, expand diagnostic testing capacity, and coordinate a vaccination program to protect those at highest risk of contracting the virus. Public health measures can also play an important role in preventing the spread of mpox.

[CDC: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Jennifer McQuiston et al. Multiple outbreaks of monkeypox associated with clade I viruses—Democratic Republic of Congo, January 1, 2023—April 14, 2024.]


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Confidence

95%

Doubts
  • Are all reported deaths from mpox actually caused by the virus?
  • Is there enough evidence to confirm that clade I mpox is more severe and transmissible than clade II?
  • What is the exact cause of the increase in suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

Sources

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

C.D.C. Warns of a Resurgence of Mpox

The New York Times Apoorva Mandavilli Thursday, 16 May 2024 17:00
  • Unique Points
    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned of a resurgence of mpox, also known as monkeypox.
    • A deadlier version of mpox is ravaging the Democratic Republic of Congo.
    • Anne Rimoin, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, has studied mpox in Congo for over 20 years and first warned of its potential for global spread in 2010.
    • There are two main types of mpox: Clade I and Clade II. The deadlier version is from Clade I, which is dominant in Congo, while the type that caused the 2022 global outbreak was from Clade II.
  • Accuracy
    • CDC officials warn that the more severe form of mpox called clade I could spread to other countries including the US.
    • Clade I has not been seen in the US but those most vulnerable to infection may need to take extra precautions.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when it quotes Anne Rimoin, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, stating 'This is a very important example of how an infection anywhere is potentially an infection everywhere, and why we need to continue to improve disease surveillance globally.' This statement does not necessarily mean that there will be a resurgence of mpox in the US or that it poses a global threat. It is simply her opinion based on her expertise. However, since this is the only fallacy found in the article and it does not significantly impact the overall meaning or accuracy of the article, I am scoring it 95.
    • 'This is a very important example of how an infection anywhere is potentially an infection everywhere, and why we need to continue to improve disease surveillance globally,'
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

82%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Congo is suffering biggest mpox outbreak ever that could soon spread to US...after arrival of new,...

Daily Mail Online News Site Emily Joshu Thursday, 16 May 2024 17:10
  • Unique Points
    • DRC has seen an increase of mpox cases from 2023 to 2024, with a total of 19,919 reported cases and 975 deaths.
    • CDC officials warn that the more severe form of mpox called clade I could spread to other countries including the US.
    • Mpox is divided into two categories: clade I and clade II. Clade I is more severe and endemic to Central Africa, while clade II has spread to developed nations like the US and UK.
    • CDC found that nearly every province in DRC reported mpox cases, with most concentrated in the western region of Equateur.
    • Mpox spreads through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or contact with bodily fluids, intimate sexual contact, or contact with infected animals.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (30%)
    The article makes several statements that could be considered sensational or alarmist. For example, the title states that Congo is suffering the 'biggest mpox outbreak ever' and that it 'could soon spread to US.' While there may be an increase in cases of mpox in Congo, it is not clear if this is indeed the biggest outbreak ever or if there is a significant risk of spread to other countries. The article also mentions a mutant strain of mpox with 'pandemic potential' and states that clade I, which has never been detected outside of endemic African regions, is the more severe form of the illness. However, it does not provide any evidence or data to support these claims beyond what has already been reported by health officials. Additionally, the article mentions that mpox often infects gay and bisexual men and makes a point to mention this during Pride month. While it is true that mpox can spread through intimate contact, it is not clear why this information needs to be included in the article or how it relates to the deception. Lastly, the article references studies but does not provide any links or citations for them.
    • CDC officials reported that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has seen an increase of mpox from 2023 to 2024.
    • Mpox is divided into two categories: clade I and clade II. Clade I, which officials state has never been detected outside of endemic African regions, is the more severe form of the illness.
    • US experts fear that the increase in a more severe form of mpox called clade I could lead to a repeat of its rapid spread in other countries like the US and UK.
    • Health officials warn that cases of mpox have reached an all-time high in some areas of Africa, which they fear 'could spread to other countries' including the US.
  • Fallacies (90%)
    The article contains several instances of fear-mongering and appeals to authority. The author states that 'US experts fear that the increase in a more severe form of mpox called clade I could lead to a repeat of its rapid spread in other countries like the US and UK.' This is an appeal to authority as it relies on the opinion of unnamed 'US experts' without providing any evidence or reasoning. The author also states that 'CDC officials have urged Americans most vulnerable to mpox to get vaccinated before the virus potentially returns to the US.' This is another appeal to authority, as it relies on the advice of CDC officials without providing any evidence or reasoning. Additionally, there are several instances of fear-mongering language such as 'deadly monkey pox strain', 'largest surge of mpox cases ever recorded', and 'pandemic potential'. These statements create a sense of urgency and fear without providing any actual evidence or data to support the claims.
    • ]US experts fear that the increase in a more severe form of mpox called clade I could lead to a repeat of its rapid spread in other countries like the US and UK.[
    • CDC officials have urged Americans most vulnerable to mpox to get vaccinated before the virus potentially returns to the US.
  • Bias (95%)
    The author uses language that depicts the mpox outbreak in Congo as a potential threat to spread to other countries including the US, and emphasizes the severity of clade I mpox. The author also mentions that clade I has never been detected outside of endemic African regions and is more severe than clade II, which has spread to developed nations like the US and UK.
    • CDC officials reported that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has seen an increase of mpox from 2023 to 2024. Though the disease, which causes skin rashes and lesions, is an endemic in DRC, US experts fear that the increase in a more severe form of mpox called clade I could lead to a repeat of its rapid spread in other countries like the US and UK.
      • Clade I, which officials state has never been detected outside of endemic African regions, is the more severe form of the illness. Outbreaks of clade I have killed up to 10 percent of infected people, according to the CDC. It is endemic to Central Africa.
        • Health officials warn that cases of mpox have reached an all-time high in some areas of Africa, which they fear 'could spread to other countries' including the US.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        94%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Sex work in bars linked to rapid mpox spread in DR Congo hot spot

        Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) Thursday, 16 May 2024 23:29
        • Unique Points
          • In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), interactions with sex workers in bars are driving rapid mpox transmission.
          • Researchers found that 88.4% of hospitalized mpox patients had recently visited bars for professional sexual interactions.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (85%)
          The article discusses multiple topics and fallacies. It mentions sex work in bars being linked to rapid mpox spread in DR Congo, which is a clear dichotomous depiction. The author does not present formal or informal fallacies in their writing. However, the article also discusses other unrelated topics such as antibiotic use at end of life, G7 countries and antibiotic development incentives, BSE in Scottish breeding cow, and imported malaria cases in southern US border cities. These unrelated topics make it difficult to analyze for fallacies without focusing on a specific topic.
          • Sex work in bars is likely driving rapid mpox transmission...
          • Researchers examined the demographic and clinical characteristics...
          • Overwhelming majority had connections to sex workers in bars...
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        100%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        U.S. Preparedness and Response to Increasing Clade ...

        Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Thursday, 16 May 2024 00:00
        • Unique Points
          • CDC is supporting DRC’s response and containment efforts against clade I mpox.
          • Clade I mpox can result in more severe illness and higher mortality compared to clade II.
          • No clade I cases have been reported in countries without endemic transmission.
          • U.S. clinicians and public health practitioners should be alert for possible cases in travelers from DRC and request clade-specific testing.
          • Appropriate medical treatment is critical given the potential for severe illness with clade I mpox.
          • Contact tracing and containment strategies, including isolation, behavior modification, and vaccination, will be important to prevent spread if any U.S. clade I mpox cases occur.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        100%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Clade I Mpox Surge in the Congo Raises Concerns About Global Spread

        MedPage Today Katherine Kahn Thursday, 16 May 2024 23:30
        • Unique Points
          • Clade I mpox causes more severe illness than clade II subtype and may be more transmissible.
          • Children and adolescents ages 15 years and younger accounted for 67% of all suspected cases and 78% of deaths from mpox in the DRC during this period.
          • Clade I mpox is more likely to be sexually transmitted if introduced into the U.S., affecting populations such as men who have sex with men and sex workers, and less likely to affect children.
          • CDC is taking steps to increase surveillance and expand diagnostic testing capacity for clade I mpox in response to increase in cases in the DRC.
          • The FDA-approved mpox vaccine (Jynneos) became commercially available in April 2024.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication