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Writer's pictureCCA Pulse Magazine

DR Congo: Most dangerous Mpox Strain Yet by Brundasree Unadi

A new strain of the mpox virus, also known as the monkey virus, is spreading rapidly along the

eastern border of the Republic of Congo and is radiating waves of turmoil within officials all

over the world. The virus, which causes lesions across the whole body, is making people ill and

is deadly. Though the current strain has been driven through sexual contact, the virus can also be

spread through close skin-to-skin contact. The very first worldwide epidemic of mpox in 2022

was brought into control by vaccinating vulnerable groups. But there is poor access to vaccines

and treatments in DR Congo and local health officials are issuing warnings that the virus could

easily reach other countries. "The disease can go through airports. A person with lesions can go

through borders because there are no controls,"said Leandre Murhula Masirika, at the health

province in South Kivu province- one of the worst affected areas in DR Congo.


Risk of Spread


Mpox is an infectious disease that causes a painful rash, lesions across the body, fever, headache,

and enlarged lymph nodes, muscle ache, etc. Mpox is classified into 2 clades, Clade I, which is

responsible for the current rise of cases in Africa, and Clade II, which caused the global outbreak

in 2022. Mpox has been on the rise in the African continent for decades. Official numbers from

the World Health Organization (WHO) show that there have been nearly 8,000 cases this year in

DR Congo, including 384 deaths.This virus has killed hundreds of people, mainly children. One

outbreak near South Kivu is causing particular concern. Upon inspection, lab scientists have

found that the new mpox strain contains mutations that help it circulate better among humans.


The new strain seems to have originated in the mining town of Kamituga, and as such, cases are

rising rapidly in this city. Those infected now include schoolchildren and healthcare workers

working with mpox patients and entire households. A total of 18 countries have reported the

mpox spread including the Central African Republic, Thailand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sweden,

and the Philippines.


WHO’s Official Response


With the new strain being detected among Goma, which borders Rwanda, the WHO issued a

statement stating that the mpox strain represented “a renewed case of risk of cross-border and

international spread which may potentially lead to an increased risk of severe illness.” WHO has

developed a regional response plan, requiring an initial $15 million to support surveillance,

preparedness and response activities. As of now, two WHO-recommended and approved

vaccines are being used against the strain. The WHO director General has also declared this

mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.DR Congo: Most dangerous mpox strain yet

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