The Genomic Surveillance Team at the
has managed to sequence the monkeypox virus genome from the first case confirmed in Peru and determine that the variant, which caused this infection, is the least lethal and virulent of the two that currently exist in the world.
There are currently two different lineages of monkeypox. One is located in the area of the clade (phylogenetic group) of Central Africa and the other one in the clade of West Africa —the latter being the one with the least virulence and circulating in Peru.
"The genomic surveillance team has been able to sequence the first isolated (monkeypox) genome in our country; this way, it has been possible to determine that of the two clades (variants) existing in the world, both in Central and West Africa, Peru faces the one from the West which, according to
World Health Organization (WHO) reports, has an average mortality (rate) of 1% compared to the other that ranges between 3% and 6% in terms of lethality," he specified.
The specialist said that despite the fact that a less virulent and deadly variant circulates in our territory, it is necessary to continue with genomic surveillance so as to later determine whether there is variability in this virus or whether it remains the same.
Scientific evidence
"The sequencing of the first monkey virus genome in our country enables us to be aware of what we are facing, as well as to take adequate prevention and control measures. The health system bases its actions on scientific evidence; that is why the work of the INS team is important," he indicated.
Likewise, the specialist called on the population not to be alarmed by the recent monkeypox cases detected in the South American country because the transmission of this disease is not comparable to that of COVID-19, which is still affecting the entire world.
How is monkeypox spread?
Dr. Escalante stated that this disease is transmitted by close contact with an infected person or through the droplets that one expels while speaking.
Thus, it is important to continue wearing facemasks which not only protect against COVID-19 but also monkeypox.