What to know about the new mpox variant

Hello. As Sweden confirms the first new case of a more dangerous mpox variant outside of Africa, we take a look at the virus formerly known as monkeypox. Meanwhile in Jerusalem, Lucy Williamson examines the risk of regional war hanging over the Gaza ceasefire talks. And on Wednesday night, the streets of Kolkata city were packed with tens of thousands of people, outraged at yet another woman’s killing at the hands of a man. Soutik Biswas reports on the fury behind the powerful "Reclaim the Night" protests.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What is mpox and how is it spread?

Mpox is most common in remote villages in the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa. Credit: Reuters

The World Health Organization has declared mpox outbreaks in parts of Africa a public health emergency of international concern. At least 450 people have died so far during an initial outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the disease has since spread to areas of Central and East Africa.

How is mpox spread?

Mpox spreads from person to person through close contact with someone who is infected - including through sex, skin-to-skin contact and talking or breathing close to the ill person.

Who is most at risk?

Anyone who has close contact with someone with symptoms can catch the virus, including health workers and family members. Experts are studying the situation to understand more about who is most at risk.

Is there a vaccine?

Vaccines exist but only people at risk or who have been in close contact with an infected person are usually able to have it. There's a real worry that there's not enough funding for vaccines to reach all those in need.

Old virus, new name: Why global health experts decided to phase out the term monkeypox in favour of mpox.

THE BIG PICTURE

Risk of regional war hangs over Gaza talks

Families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza say this is the last chance for a deal. Credit: Reuters

The US believes a deal could help calm the Middle East, but do the leaders of Israel and Hamas really want one? From Jerusalem, Lucy Williamson examines how pressure to agree to a ceasefire is mounting on the two men at the heart of the struggle.

And finally... in Kenya

The city of Eldoret, the capital of Kenyan running, has paid homage to some of its leading athletes with three statues unveiled on Wednesday. But the works of art have been wildly lambasted as "embarrassing" and "substandard" - so much so they have been removed overnight. Take a look.