Argentine authorities have taken precautionary measures by quarantining a cargo vessel in the Parana River near Rosario, the country's primary agricultural export hub, due to a suspected case of mpox onboard. This development comes in the wake of the World Health Organization's (WHO) recent declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency.
Fernando Morales, president of the Argentine Naval League, disclosed that a Liberian-flagged ship, intended to collect soy cargo, has been instructed to anchor in the river while awaiting test results for a crew member. Morales stated, "A crew member exhibiting fever and weakness was transported to a medical facility in San Nicolas. Initial assessments suggest a potential mpox case, though confirmation is pending."
This incident occurs approximately one week after the WHO's declaration of mpox as a global health concern, marking the second such announcement in two years. The situation has been further complicated by the emergence of a new variant of the virus, which has been rapidly spreading in Africa.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection that typically causes pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms. While usually mild, it can be fatal in some cases. The disease was first discovered in 1958 in a colony of research monkeys, with the first human case recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The variant causing concern is the clade 1b, which appears to transmit more easily through routine close contact. A day following the WHO's declaration, Sweden confirmed its first case of this variant, signaling its spread beyond Africa.
Morales added that health officials are monitoring the ship and plan to examine other crew members. This precautionary approach aligns with efforts to contain the spread of the virus, which can be transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or animals.
According to WHO data from the previous week, 13 countries in the Americas have reported mpox cases caused by other strains this year. Argentina had previously documented eight cases. It's worth noting that mpox is generally less severe than smallpox and rarely fatal, with symptoms typically appearing 6-13 days after exposure.
In response to the global situation, pharmaceutical companies are considering scaling up their efforts. Denmark's Bavarian Nordic is set to decide this week on potentially increasing vaccine production. Their JYNNEOS vaccine is currently the only FDA-approved vaccine specifically for mpox prevention. Concurrently, Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche has expressed intentions to enhance its laboratory testing capacity. Roche developed the first commercial PCR test for mpox in 2022.
As the situation unfolds, it's crucial to remember that the smallpox vaccine has shown approximately 85% effectiveness in preventing mpox. This outbreak marks the first time the virus has spread widely outside endemic countries in Central and West Africa.
The quarantine of the cargo ship near Rosario, South America's second-largest port after Santos in Brazil, underscores the global nature of the mpox concern and its potential impact on international trade and transportation.