The Intelligence from The Economist The human strain: can mpox be contained?
Aug 21, 2024
Mpox is rising rapidly in Africa, with a need for better vaccination efforts and public health strategies to combat its spread. Concerns are also growing about Russia's potential use of nuclear weapons in space, posing threats to satellites and global communications. Additionally, discussions highlight the energy demands of artificial intelligence and their implications for climate initiatives. The podcast dives into the complex interplay of health crises, geopolitical tensions, and technological challenges.
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Mpox Outbreak
- Mpox, a highly contagious disease, is spreading rapidly in Africa, causing a public health emergency.
- A new, more dangerous strain is more contagious and deadlier than previous ones, impacting children significantly.
Clade 1b Characteristics
- The new Mpox strain, clade 1b, is more dangerous and transmits faster than previous strains.
- Clade 1b is a subset of clade 1, known for its severity, and primarily spreads through human-to-human transmission.
Mpox in Congo
- In the Democratic Republic of Congo, fear surrounds Mpox due to its visible rash and lasting scars.
- Limited public knowledge about the disease and its treatment exacerbates the situation, especially in conflict zones and displacement camps.