Is WHO Mpox Monitoring Window Too Short?
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By
December 10, 2025
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5 min
Recent research reveals that the incubation period for mpox virus clade Ib may be significantly longer than that of earlier variants, averaging 14 days from exposure to rash onset. Conducted in the Uvira health zone of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the study evaluated 37 PCR-confirmed cases and highlighted a median incubation of 13.6 days, with sexual transmission showing a shorter average of 10.3 days. The findings suggest revised vaccination timing post-exposure and underscore differences in transmission routes and demographics affected.
1. Median incubation period for clade Ib is 14 days. 2. Sexual transmission shows a median of 10.3 days. 3. 48% of suspected cases were male, 30% were children under 5. 4. Respiratory contact was reported by 84% of suspected cases. 5. First mpox case in Uvira reported on May 2, 2024. 6. WHO suggests vaccination within 14 days post-exposure. 7. Analysis relied on data from 37 PCR-confirmed cases. 8. Supported by the Gates Foundation and Johns Hopkins.
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