In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the situation regarding Mpox, a rare but serious viral disease, is alarming. Between January and July 2024, over 12,000 cases of Mpox have been detected in the country, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. This outbreak has drawn international attention, with the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighting an exponential spread of the disease.
Currently, 23 of the 26 provinces in the DRC are affected. In June 2024, the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Goma reported over 25 cases in a camp for internally displaced persons near Goma, in North Kivu province. This camp, housing people displaced by ongoing armed conflicts in the region, has become a hotspot for the epidemic, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The WHO has since issued warnings about the risk of the disease spreading beyond the borders of the DRC, which could have regional and international repercussions.
Since the beginning of 2024, nearly 419 deaths have been recorded in the DRC, an alarming number compared to the 89 deaths reported throughout 2022. This dramatic increase in fatalities is attributed to the rapid spread of the virus and the difficulty of accessing medical care in some affected areas.
The number of Mpox cases has steadily risen since 2022, when the Congolese government declared the disease endemic. Local and international health authorities are working together to contain the outbreak. According to a UNICEF report, over 14,000 suspected cases were reported in the first half of 2024, highlighting the scale of the health crisis.
The National Institute of Biomedical Research of the DRC (INRB) has identified a new variant of the virus, named CLADE I. This variant differs from the West African CLADE II variant, which caused a global epidemic in 2022. CLADE I is considered more virulent and is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, complicating the management of the outbreak further.
In response to the crisis, the Congolese government approved the use of two vaccines against Mpox in June 2024. The first batches of these vaccines are expected to arrive as early as September. Vaccination efforts aim to control the spread of the disease and protect vulnerable populations.
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a zoonotic virus transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals or animals. Symptoms include skin rashes, lesions, and pain, requiring prompt medical attention to prevent severe complications.
Buunda Jackson
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