The Battle Against Mutant Flu and Deadly Mpox
June 18, 2024, 9:36 pm
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The CDC tracks drug-resistant "dual mutant" flu strains in the US, while South Africa faces its first mpox fatality and scrambles for a vaccine.
In the ongoing war against infectious diseases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US are closely monitoring the emergence of drug-resistant "dual mutant" flu strains. These new strains of H1N1 influenza have raised concerns due to genetic changes that could reduce the effectiveness of the main flu antiviral, oseltamivir.
The CDC reported at least two human cases of these "dual mutant" strains, with mutations known as I223V and S247N, which affect key surface proteins of the virus. While these mutations have shown resistance to oseltamivir in laboratory tests, they remain sensitive to other anti-influenza medications, such as baloxavir marboxil. The CDC reassures that flu vaccination can still provide protection against these mutated viruses.
Despite the rapid spread of these dual mutants to multiple continents, including North America, Europe, and Asia, the CDC notes that they are still relatively rare. However, the agency emphasizes the importance of continued monitoring and vigilance to track the evolution and spread of these viruses.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, the country is grappling with its first recorded death from mpox, a viral infection closely related to smallpox. The Health Minister, Joe Phaahla, is urgently seeking vaccine supplies to combat the outbreak, as the virus is endemic in the region.
Efforts are underway to source vaccines from WHO member countries with surplus supplies and from the international vaccine alliance, Gavi. The smallpox vaccine Imvanex has shown effectiveness against mpox, and South Africa aims to secure donations to prevent further spread of the disease.
Mpox cases have been predominantly reported among men who have sex with men, with individuals with untreated HIV infections at higher risk. The virus manifests with flu-like symptoms and a rash, lasting from two weeks to a month. South Africa has reported five laboratory-confirmed cases, all locally acquired, with one death recorded.
While there is currently no registered treatment for mpox in South Africa, the health department has received approval to use the antiviral drug Tecovirimat on a compassionate-use basis for known patients. Plans are in place to build a stockpile of this treatment in anticipation of a potential wider outbreak.
The WHO has declared that mpox is no longer a global health emergency, but Minister Phaahla stresses the need for continued vigilance and action to eradicate the disease. Public awareness and prompt medical intervention are crucial in preventing further spread and managing the impact of this infectious disease.
As the US and South Africa face different but equally challenging battles against mutant flu strains and deadly mpox, the global community must remain vigilant and proactive in the fight against infectious diseases.
In the ongoing war against infectious diseases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US are closely monitoring the emergence of drug-resistant "dual mutant" flu strains. These new strains of H1N1 influenza have raised concerns due to genetic changes that could reduce the effectiveness of the main flu antiviral, oseltamivir.
The CDC reported at least two human cases of these "dual mutant" strains, with mutations known as I223V and S247N, which affect key surface proteins of the virus. While these mutations have shown resistance to oseltamivir in laboratory tests, they remain sensitive to other anti-influenza medications, such as baloxavir marboxil. The CDC reassures that flu vaccination can still provide protection against these mutated viruses.
Despite the rapid spread of these dual mutants to multiple continents, including North America, Europe, and Asia, the CDC notes that they are still relatively rare. However, the agency emphasizes the importance of continued monitoring and vigilance to track the evolution and spread of these viruses.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, the country is grappling with its first recorded death from mpox, a viral infection closely related to smallpox. The Health Minister, Joe Phaahla, is urgently seeking vaccine supplies to combat the outbreak, as the virus is endemic in the region.
Efforts are underway to source vaccines from WHO member countries with surplus supplies and from the international vaccine alliance, Gavi. The smallpox vaccine Imvanex has shown effectiveness against mpox, and South Africa aims to secure donations to prevent further spread of the disease.
Mpox cases have been predominantly reported among men who have sex with men, with individuals with untreated HIV infections at higher risk. The virus manifests with flu-like symptoms and a rash, lasting from two weeks to a month. South Africa has reported five laboratory-confirmed cases, all locally acquired, with one death recorded.
While there is currently no registered treatment for mpox in South Africa, the health department has received approval to use the antiviral drug Tecovirimat on a compassionate-use basis for known patients. Plans are in place to build a stockpile of this treatment in anticipation of a potential wider outbreak.
The WHO has declared that mpox is no longer a global health emergency, but Minister Phaahla stresses the need for continued vigilance and action to eradicate the disease. Public awareness and prompt medical intervention are crucial in preventing further spread and managing the impact of this infectious disease.
As the US and South Africa face different but equally challenging battles against mutant flu strains and deadly mpox, the global community must remain vigilant and proactive in the fight against infectious diseases.