Israel records first case of aggressive strain of monkeypox

The Ministry of Health reported that the first case of infection with a new, more aggressive strain of the monkeypox virus has been diagnosed in Israel.

According to the epidemiological investigation, the patient arrived from the United Arab Emirates, where an outbreak of the disease was recorded some time ago.

We are talking about the Clade 1b strain, which has recently spread beyond the original outbreaks, including in a number of Western countries.

The health system emphasizes that existing monkeypox vaccines are also effective against the new strain, and they can protect against severe disease. “Israel has had no vaccine supply available for about six months, and it is not known when the vaccine will arrive. We keep reminding the Ministry of Health of this,” Dr. Roy Zucker, an infectious disease specialist, told Mako.

Until the vaccine arrives in Israel, doctors say, the population should exercise maximum caution. Transmission of the virus, including the new strain, occurs mainly through skin contact, including during sexual intercourse.