New Monkeypox Study Holds Possible Clue to Fast Spread of Virus

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

A new study into monkeypox holds a possible clue as to why the virus is spreading so quickly, with researchers saying they have discovered that the virus contains an unusually high number of mutations, which may represent “accelerated evolution.”

The new monkeypox strain was found to have an average of 50 mutations in samples examined by Portuguese researchers, while only around 10 would normally be expected, according to the new peer-reviewed study, published on June 24 in the medical journal Nature Medicine.

The unexpectedly high number of genetic variations in the currently spreading monkeypox variant suggests that the virus may be fast-adapting, with possible implications for transmission speed.

“Our data reveals [sic] additional clues of ongoing viral evolution and potential human adaptation,” the research team wrote in the study.

‘Accelerated Evolution’

The researchers found 50 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the new variant, noting that this is roughly 6–12 more than typical and that such divergence from the norm “might represent accelerated evolution.”

While the researchers said some of the proteins identified in the samples are known to interact with the human immune system, more study is needed to determine whether the high number of mutations is causing increased transmissibility between humans.

“We do not know that,” said João Paulo Gomes, co-author of the study and head of the Genomics & Bioinformatics Unit at the National Institute of Health in Portugal, in remarks to Newsweek.

“We just know that these additional 50 mutations were quite unexpected,” he added, noting that further specialized lab experiments would be carried out on the virus “in order to understand if this 2022 virus has increased its transmissibility.”

Spread of Monkeypox

Monkeypox, a viral disease that causes fever, skin lesions, and can sometimes be fatal, is endemic in a number of countries but has recently spread more widely, affecting regions where the virus was not historically known to be present, fueling concern.

The current outbreak has seen a total of 2,103 lab-confirmed monkeypox cases, including one death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

“The outbreak of monkeypox continues to primarily affect men who have sex with men who have reported recent sex with new or multiple partners,” the WHO said.

By Tom Ozimek

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Kirk Assassination Oddities

Just like the assassination attempt on President Trump in Butler, PA, there are oddities that do not add up with the actual assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Pharma-Funded Medical Groups Threaten Anti-MAHA Physician Strike

“A paradoxical pattern has been suggested in the literature on doctors' strikes: when health workers go on strike, mortality stays level or decreases."

Fauci Caught DEAD TO RIGHTS in Anti-FOIA Conspiracy, Per Newly Released Emails

Fauci told Congress in 2024 he never pressured staff to delete emails, but evidence shows otherwise, raising perjury concerns and calls for indictment.

America is facing what could be described as “disorganized troubles,” born of a feeling of powerlessness.

The US is seeing a pattern of consistent, politically motivated lone-wolf attacks, evident in events like the murder of Charlie Kirk on a campus in Utah.

A Bullet Is No Argument

Charlie Kirk’s sharp intellect and joyful debate style dismantled challengers’ arguments, making him a target for those opposed to truth and goodness.

Charlie Kirk’s Killing a Reminder of Need for Kindness and Civility: Justice Amy Coney Barrett

Justice Barrett calls Charlie Kirk’s assassination a tragic reminder that Americans must resolve disputes through civil discourse, not violence.

Boston University College Republicans Demand Better Security Measures Following Charlie Kirk Assassination

Boston U must provide better security for conservative students in aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, College Republicans wrote in a letter.

Office Depot Fires Worker Who Refused to Print Charlie Kirk Vigil Poster

Office Depot fired a Portage, MI employee after they refused to print a poster for a vigil honoring conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.

How Charlie Kirk Challenged and Inspired a Generation of Rising Political Influencers

Charlie Kirk built Turning Point USA by energizing young minds in political debate and inspiring the next generation of conservative influencers.

Trump Signs Memo Targeting Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising

President Trump signed a memo to ensure drug ads give fair, balanced, and complete information to protect and inform American consumers.

Trump Runs out of Patience With China, Sharpens His Words

President Donald Trump’s recent remarks targeting China and its allies mark a noticeable shift in tone.

Trump Signs Order Renaming Department of Defense as Department of War

President Donald Trump on Sept. 5 signed an executive order renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War.

Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Countries That Unlawfully Detain Americans

President Trump signed an EO on targeting the unlawful detention of American citizens around the world and to facilitate the release of hostages.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central