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A concerning new strain of the mpox virus is rapidly spreading along the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of Congo, prompting alarm among health officials monitoring its trajectory. Known for causing severe body lesions and potentially deadly outcomes, this variant has sparked fears due to its ability to spread through sexual and close skin-to-skin contact.
Health experts warn that the new strain poses significant risks of cross-border and international transmission, describing it as possibly the “most dangerous strain yet.” Despite efforts to control previous outbreaks, including a global epidemic in 2022 that was contained through vaccination campaigns, the current situation in DR Congo is exacerbated by limited access to vaccines and treatments.
In the worst-affected South Kivu province, where nearly 8,000 cases, including 384 deaths, have been reported this year, concerns are mounting. The outbreak, originating among sex workers in September 2023, has now spread to other demographics, including schoolchildren and healthcare workers. Cities along the border such as Goma are particularly vulnerable, heightening fears of wider regional transmission.
The virus’s mutations, identified through recent lab testing, indicate enhanced human-to-human transmission capability, raising worries about its potential to cause more severe illness and fatalities, especially among children. Health authorities underscore the challenges posed by asymptomatic transmission and the uncertainty surrounding the efficacy of existing vaccines against this new strain.
As the crisis unfolds, experts emphasize the urgent need for enhanced research and vaccine distribution in the region to mitigate further spread and protect vulnerable populations. Amidst ongoing health priorities in DR Congo, addressing the mpox outbreak remains critical to averting a broader public health emergency.
