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.

Doxed Democrats Are Getting Fired Left and Left

Not a misprint because a title of “left and...

Hold Up, Feds, Without Federalism, There Is No USA

Federalism is essential to governing the U.S., yet the federal government is undermining it by bribing states to implement unnecessary federal programs.

A Widow Inspires The World

Erika Kirk moved the nation with her speech two days after her husband’s assassination, vowing to continue his mission and grow Turning Point USA.

Both Left and Right Are Making Lists

The right admired Charlie Kirk for his faith and patriotism, while the left opposed him for dismantling their positions and narratives with ease.

Redemption’s playbook: The Senior

The Senior isn’t your usual underdog tale, it’s real, it’s raw, and it flips every cliché on its head with a playbook full of grit and plenty of aftermaths.

US and Qatar Working on Enhanced Defense Pact Following Israeli Strike in Doha

US and Qatar are nearly finished hashing out a new defense cooperation agreement, Sec. of State Rubio said during a trip through the Middle East.

Trump to Appeal Ruling Allowing Fed Governor Lisa Cook to Keep Her Job

The Trump admin will appeal a three-judge panel’s ruling that prevents the president from firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.

Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Murderer Confessed Shortly After Shooting, Messages Show

The man accused of murdering conservative influencer Charlie Kirk confessed to the killing in text messages, authorities said on Sept. 16.

News Anchor Resigns After Being Suspended Over On-Air Charlie Kirk Tribute

A WICS-ABC20 Springfield anchor resigns after being suspended for paying on-air tribute to the late Charlie Kirk.

US Conducts Strike on Another Drug Boat From Venezuela: Trump

Three people were killed in a U.S. strike on a Venezuelan drug boat, President Donald Trump announced on Sept. 15.

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.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central