UAE Reports First Case of Clade 1b Mpox

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first case of clade 1b mpox in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The patient, who had recently traveled to Uganda, was diagnosed with the disease on January 18.

According to WHO’s latest multi-country situation report, the case was officially identified on February 7. The individual’s age has not been disclosed.

Uganda has recorded 2,479 confirmed mpox cases and 16 deaths since the outbreak began in July.

In the past six weeks alone, the country has reported 1,127 confirmed cases, making up more than a third of all cases in Africa during this period.

While Uganda continues to see a rise in cases, trends in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi have remained stable.

Mpox is a viral disease related to smallpox, spreading through close contact or contaminated materials like bedding, clothing, and needles, WHO states.

The UAE patient developed symptoms on January 11 and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

WHO also noted that at least seven mpox cases have been detected in other countries among travelers returning from the UAE, suggesting possible community transmission.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that clade I mpox outbreaks have had varying mortality rates, with some reaching 10%. However, recent outbreaks have shown lower fatality rates.

Those at higher risk of severe infection include infants, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.