North Carolina Detects Mpox Virus in Wastewater, Urging Vigilance Among Residents and Health Providers

North Carolina health officials are sounding the alarm following the detection of mpox virus particles, specifically Clade I, in wastewater samples collected from Greenville. This announcement, issued by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), underscores the need for heightened awareness among residents and healthcare providers, as no confirmed cases have yet been reported in the state. The samples, collected on three dates in late March and early April, suggest that there may have been at least one undiagnosed or unreported case of the virus in the area during this period. Health Secretary Dev Sangvai commented, 'The detection of Clade I mpox virus in wastewater surveillance tells us the virus is potentially here in our state, even though no cases have been reported and confirmed.' Dr. Emma Doran, medical director for vaccine preventable and respiratory diseases at NCDHHS, emphasized the importance of wastewater testing as an early warning system. The testing results indicate that residents should remain alert, especially given the nature of mpox, which can present serious symptoms and is mainly transmitted through close contact, including skin-to-skin contact. Stressing the differences between Clade I and Clade II mpox, Doran explained that the former is responsible for significant outbreaks in Central and Eastern Africa, primarily spreading through heterosexual contact, unlike Clade II, which was more associated with the LGBTQ+ community during the 2022 U.S. outbreak. This distinction brings new public health implications, as awareness and vaccination strategies may need to adapt accordingly. While NCDHHS assures that the risk to the general public remains low, they are advocating for increased vigilance among healthcare providers to identify potential cases. Vaccination is emphasized as the primary means of protection against both clade types, with health officials urging those at higher risk to seek immunization. As wastewater surveillance has emerged as a vital tool in monitoring virus outbreaks, health officials expressed concerns over potential funding cuts that may threaten this early warning system. Such funding is crucial for supporting detailed tracking of viruses like mpox, coronavirus, and others across North Carolina. The findings of this wastewater study highlight an emerging public health challenge and the importance of ongoing surveillance in managing infectious diseases. The proactive measures proposed by NCDHHS serve as a crucial reminder of the need for collective action to safeguard community health.