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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