Mpox Clade Ib Detected in Colombia: Prevention and Essential Guide

Colombian health authorities have confirmed the first case of mpox clade Ib in the department of Antioquia, marking the detection of a new viral variant in the country. The case was identified through routine surveillance and laboratory testing, prompting increased vigilance among public health officials while emphasizing that the overall risk to the general population remains low. This development follows earlier reports of mpox cases in Colombia linked to other clades, but clade Ib has raised attention due to its distinct genetic profile and potential implications for transmission and clinical presentation.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. The virus is divided into two main clades: clade I, historically associated with Central Africa and more severe disease, and clade II, linked to West Africa and generally milder infections. Clade Ib is a sublineage of clade I that has been increasingly detected in recent outbreaks, particularly in parts of Central and East Africa. Its appearance in Colombia represents a notable expansion of the variant’s geographic reach beyond previously documented areas.

According to the Colombian National Institute of Health (INS), the infected individual is an adult male who presented with typical mpox symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that progressed through stages of macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs. The patient sought medical care after noticing skin lesions, leading to sample collection and subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing that confirmed the presence of the monkeypox virus. Genetic sequencing performed at a national reference laboratory identified the virus as belonging to clade Ib.

Health officials confirmed that the patient isolated upon diagnosis and received supportive care, with no reports of severe complications or hospitalization. Contact tracing was immediately initiated, and all close contacts were monitored for symptoms over the recommended 21-day incubation period. As of the latest update, no secondary cases have been identified among those exposed, suggesting limited onward transmission in this instance.

The detection of clade Ib in Colombia underscores the importance of sustained genomic surveillance in tracking the evolution and spread of the mpox virus. Experts note that while clade I viruses have historically been associated with higher fatality rates in endemic regions, the clinical outcomes observed in recent global outbreaks—including those involving clade Ib—have been variable, influenced by factors such as access to healthcare, underlying health conditions, and timely diagnosis. There is currently no evidence to suggest that clade Ib causes more severe disease than other mpox variants in all contexts, but ongoing studies are assessing its biological characteristics.

Transmission of mpox primarily occurs through close physical contact with infectious skin lesions, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing. Respiratory droplet transmission can occur during prolonged face-to-face contact, though this is considered less common than direct contact with lesions. The virus does not spread easily through casual interactions, and brief encounters in public spaces pose minimal risk. Public health guidance continues to emphasize awareness of symptoms, avoidance of close contact with individuals showing unexplained rashes, and proper hygiene practices, including handwashing and disinfection of potentially contaminated surfaces.

Vaccination remains a key preventive tool, particularly for individuals at higher risk of exposure. The JYNNEOS vaccine, originally developed for smallpox, has shown effectiveness against mpox and is recommended for pre-exposure prophylaxis in high-risk groups and post-exposure prophylaxis for close contacts of confirmed cases. In Colombia, vaccine access has been expanded in recent months through collaboration with international health partners, targeting healthcare workers, laboratory personnel, and individuals with known or suspected exposure. Antiviral treatments such as tecovirimat (TPOXX) are available for severe cases or those at high risk of complications, though their use is guided by clinical judgment and availability.

Health authorities in Antioquia and nationwide have reiterated that there is no need for alarm among the general public. The detection of a single case does not indicate widespread community transmission, and the country’s surveillance systems are functioning as intended to identify and respond to emerging threats. Officials urge anyone who develops unexplained skin lesions, especially if accompanied by fever or swollen lymph nodes, to seek medical evaluation promptly and avoid close contact with others until evaluated. Stigma and discrimination against individuals with mpox must be avoided, as they can hinder testing, reporting, and access to care.

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to monitor the global mpox situation, noting that while the peak of the 2022–2023 international outbreak has passed, sporadic cases and localized clusters still occur in various regions. The emergence of new genetic variants like clade Ib highlights the virus’s capacity for evolution and the need for ongoing research into its transmissibility, immune evasion, and potential impact on vaccine effectiveness. Collaborative efforts between national governments, regional health agencies, and international organizations remain critical to strengthening preparedness and response capabilities.

As Colombia integrates this new finding into its public health strategy, the focus remains on early detection, rapid response, clear communication, and equitable access to prevention and treatment tools. By maintaining robust surveillance and avoiding complacency, health officials aim to minimize the risk of larger outbreaks while ensuring that individuals affected by mpox receive timely support and care. The situation will continue to be assessed, with updates provided as new information becomes available through laboratory testing, epidemiological investigations, and genomic analysis.