It seems that — moreso than in some other recent viral outbreaks, inside Africa — Mpox Clade 1b had exhibited a propensity to affect young adults via sexual contact early on in an outbreak, and then, over time (as the viral loads mature and spread out), “migrate” to primarily affect younger children — in simple household contact scenarios. [Just one of my many backgrounders, here.]

It seems that there may well be multiple lines of transmission, even withing one geography, and a single time-frame, as to Mpox Clade 1b.

Researchers will now need to be… doubly alert, as to Mpox Clade 1b. Here is all that, from Gavi.org — The Vaccine Alliance:

…Whereas early in an outbreak most infections are concentrated among young adults aged 15 to 24, the model suggests that over time a growing share of cases may occur in children, particularly the youngest age groups, potentially leading to higher mortality later in the epidemic.

“Our results suggest that distinct dynamics of clade Ib mpox transmission may be driven by the coexistence of two transmission routes,” the researchers said.

“The dominant route of transmission may shift over time from sexual to nonsexual contacts, which leads to larger epidemics. The age groups contributing most to overall infections and mortality also change over time, suggesting that target groups for intervention should be adjusted accordingly….”

“If increasing incidence rates among young children are observed, this may imply that sexually active groups may no longer be the optimal target groups for intervention.

“In contrast, those groups may remain relevant for outbreak responses in countries or regions that are still in their initial phase or have not yet experienced mpox outbreaks,” they said….

This is how science — real human health science ultimately wins out, over superstitions, and sad-old-shibboleths: real evidence, from actual wide-spread data — please do take note here, RFK, Jr. (you loon!), in particular.

And do ring vaccinate contacts — and contacts of contacts. Out.

नमस्ते