New Monkeypox Variant May Lead to Faster Rise in Cases and Increased Risk of Death

Atlanta, Georgia United States of America
The CDC warns that this new variant may increase the risk of contracting monkeypox, which can be fatal in some cases.
The new version of the monkeypox virus may lead to a faster rise in cases. This is because it has a subtype that could cause more severe symptoms and potentially spread more easily than the previous strain.
New Monkeypox Variant May Lead to Faster Rise in Cases and Increased Risk of Death

The new version of the monkeypox virus may lead to a faster rise in cases. This is because it has a subtype that could cause more severe symptoms and potentially spread more easily than the previous strain. The CDC warns that this new variant may increase the risk of contracting monkeypox, which can be fatal in some cases.



Confidence

90%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

79%

  • Unique Points
    • mpox cases are increasing in North Carolina
    • cases so far this year have been reported in 12 counties, including Forsyth and Guilford counties
    • there were nine cases of mpox in all of 2023
    • symptoms of the virus are flu-like and include a characteristic painful rash
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that mpox cases are increasing in North Carolina when the actual number of cases reported this year (9) is significantly lower than the previous year (703). Secondly, it implies that close contact spreads mpox primarily through sexual activity which may not be entirely accurate as other forms of transmission such as touching contaminated surfaces or objects are also possible. Thirdly, the article suggests that anyone who has had multiple sex partners is at risk for mpox infection when in fact only those whose sex partners meet certain criteria (eligible per the criterion above) are recommended to get vaccinated.
    • The statement 'mpox cases are increasing in North Carolina' is deceptive as it implies a significant increase when the actual number of cases reported this year is significantly lower than the previous year.
    • The statement 'Anyone who has had multiple sex partners is at risk for mpox infection' is deceptive when in fact only those whose sex partners meet certain criteria (eligible per the criterion above) are recommended to get vaccinated.
    • The sentence 'primarily spread by close contact, typically skin-to-skin, that occurs during sexual activity.' may not be entirely accurate as other forms of transmission such as touching contaminated surfaces or objects are also possible.
  • Fallacies (80%)
    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 (50%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

75%

  • Unique Points
    • There were nine cases of mpox in all of 2023
    • mpox is primarily spread by close contact, typically skin-to-skin during sexual activity
    • The number of mpox cases in 2024 is already nearly double the number of cases that were detected in all of 2023.
    • Fewer people are protecting themselves with the vaccine
  • Accuracy
    • There has been a rise in cases of mpox across North Carolina. Over the past six months, 45 cases were reported across 12 counties.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that there has been a rise in cases of mpox across North Carolina when they only provide information on nine cases reported in 2023 and do not mention any other years or months. This implies that this is an ongoing trend which it isn't as the article mentions that there were more cases reported in 2024 than 2019, but no specific numbers are given. Secondly, the author claims that mpox primarily spreads through prolonged close contact during sexual activity when they do not provide any evidence to support this claim and it is a common misconception about the virus. Thirdly, the article states that anyone can become infected with mpox which contradicts their previous statement about who is at risk for contracting the disease.
    • The author claims mpox primarily spreads through prolonged close contact during sexual activity when they do not provide any evidence to support this claim and it is a common misconception about the virus.
    • The author claims there has been a rise in cases of mpox across North Carolina when they only provide information on nine cases reported in 2023 and do not mention any other years or months. This implies that this is an ongoing trend which it isn't as the article mentions that there were more cases reported in 2019, but no specific numbers are given.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (85%)
    The article contains several examples of religious bias. The author uses the phrase 'mpox on the rise' which implies that there is a moral or spiritual component to this issue. Additionally, the use of phrases such as 'contends with a national mpox outbreak' and 'reported 576 cases in 2024' suggest that there is an element of judgment being made about those who are infected with mpox.
    • mpox on the rise
      • national mpox outbreak
        • reported 576 cases in 2024
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        70%

        • Unique Points
          • The number of mpox cases in 2024 is already nearly double the number of cases that were detected in all of 2023.
          • Mpox surged in the U.S. during 2021 when cases spread through social networks among men who have sex with men.
          • The Middle Atlantic region, including New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania is currently reporting the highest number of mpox cases at 185.
        • Accuracy
          • mpox surged in the U.S. during 2021 when cases spread through social networks among men who have sex with men.
          • Symptoms of the virus are flu-like and include a characteristic painful rash.
        • Deception (50%)
          The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that mpox cases have nearly doubled from last year's numbers when comparing to March of 2024 instead of January or December as stated earlier in the article. This misrepresentation makes it seem like there has been a significant increase in cases compared to what was actually reported at that time. Secondly, the author uses sensationalist language such as
          • The outbreak subsided through outreach and awareness as well as the use of the two-dose smallpox vaccine Jynneos.
          • The number of mpox cases in 2024 is already nearly double the number of cases that were detected in all of 2023.
          • <em>Editor's note:</em> This story has been updated to reflect the comparison time frame for 2023 and 20<sup>4</sup>. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded <strong>582 cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, across all U.S. states and territories in 2024 to date.</strong>
        • Fallacies (70%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
          Joseph Choi has a conflict of interest on the topic of mpox infections as he is reporting for The Hill which is owned by Bavarian Nordic. This company produces and distributes vaccines including Jynneos vaccine which was used to prevent mpox infection.
          • Joseph Choi is reporting for The Hill which is owned by Bavarian Nordic.
            • The article mentions that 'Bavarian Nordic, the Danish biotech firm behind the only approved monkeypox vaccine in use outside of Africa, has seen its stock price soar since last week.'
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
              Joseph Choi has a conflict of interest on the topic of mpox infections as he is reporting for The Hill which is owned by Bavarian Nordic. This company produces and distributes vaccines including Jynneos vaccine which was used to prevent mpox infection.
              • The article mentions that 'Bavarian Nordic, the maker of the only approved monkeypox vaccine in use outside of Africa, has seen its stock price soar since last week.'
                • The article states that 'Jynneos is a product from Bavarian Nordic'.

                63%

                • Unique Points
                  • Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated amid a rise in Measles and Mpox cases.
                  • mpox is primarily spread by close contact, typically skin-to-skin during sexual activity
                  • There has been a rise in cases of mpox across North Carolina. Over the past six months, 45 cases were reported across 12 counties.
                • Accuracy
                  No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                • Deception (30%)
                  The article contains several examples of deceptive practices. Firstly, the author uses sensationalism by stating that there is a rise in Measles and Mpox cases without providing any context or data to support this claim. Secondly, the author quotes Cynthia Morrow as saying that vaccination is a choice but fails to disclose her position on vaccinations or provide any evidence supporting her statement. Lastly, the article contains an example of selective reporting by only mentioning two cases of Measles and Mpox in Virginia while ignoring other states with higher rates of these diseases.
                  • The article contains an example of selective reporting by only mentioning two cases of Measles and Mpox in Virginia while ignoring other states with higher rates of these diseases.
                  • The author uses sensationalism by stating that there is a rise in Measles and Mpox cases without providing any context or data to support this claim.
                  • The author quotes Cynthia Morrow as saying that vaccination is a choice but fails to disclose her position on vaccinations or provide any evidence supporting her statement.
                • Fallacies (70%)
                  The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when Cynthia Morrow states that vaccination is a choice. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that Measles is one of the most contagious viruses.
                  • > As long as people understand the risks of not getting vaccinated and they make that informed choice, that is their decision. Thankfully, at the population level we still have very high rates of vaccinations particularly for measles,
                • Bias (75%)
                  The article contains a statement from the Health District Director for Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts that vaccination is a choice. This implies that there may be people who choose not to get vaccinated which could contribute to the spread of Measles and Mpox.
                  • As long as people understand the risks of not getting vaccinated and they make that informed choice, that is their decision.
                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                    The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of vaccines as they are reporting on a fine imposed on a midwife who gave homeopathic pellets instead of required vaccinations. The article also mentions Cynthia Morrow, the director of Virginia Department of Health and Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts which could indicate that there is an affiliation with these organizations.
                    • The author reports on a fine imposed on a midwife who gave homeopathic pellets instead of required vaccinations. This suggests that the author may have personal or professional ties to this topic as they are reporting on it.
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                      The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of vaccines as they are reporting on a fine imposed on a midwife who gave homeopathic pellets instead of required vaccinations. The article also mentions Cynthia Morrow, the director of infectious disease prevention and control at Virginia Department of Health, which could indicate that she has financial ties or personal relationships with vaccine manufacturers.
                      • The author reports on a fine imposed on a midwife who gave homeopathic pellets instead of required vaccinations. This suggests that the author may have a bias towards vaccines and against alternative treatments.

                      79%

                      • Unique Points
                        • Cases of MPox are rising in the United States
                        • Fewer people are protecting themselves with the vaccine
                        • A new subtype of MPox may lead to a faster rise in cases
                        • MPox is a less severe cousin of smallpox virus and can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache.
                        • Anyone can get the disease but men who have sex with other men are at greater risk
                      • Accuracy
                        • MPox is primarily spread by close contact, typically skin-to-skin during sexual activity
                      • Deception (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Fallacies (70%)
                        The article contains several fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when Dr. Jarod Fox says that the MPox vaccine is highly effective at preventing disease and complications associated with MPox without providing any evidence or citation for his claim.
                        • > Fewer people are protecting themselves with the vaccine
                        • MPox cases are about 70% higher than they were at this time last year
                      • Bias (70%)
                        The article contains a statement that implies the new version of MPox may lead to a faster rise in cases. The author also mentions that fewer people are protecting themselves with the vaccine and provides statistics on how many people have been fully vaccinated in most states. Additionally, there is an emphasis on men who have sex with other men being at greater risk for contracting the disease.
                        • MPox cases are about 70% higher than they were at this time last year.
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication