What is the mpox virus and why is it spreading in DR Congo?

Health experts are extremely concerned as a new strain of the mpox virus is fast spreading along the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DR Congo) eastern border. This strain, which has been described as “incredibly worrying,” presents a serious risk because it has the ability to spread sickness and even result in death.

Understanding mpox virus

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that creates wounds throughout the body and can result in severe illness and death. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected sores, body fluids, and respiratory droplets. Despite being less prevalent than other poxviruses, mpox has caused occasional outbreaks, mainly in Central and West Africa.

Current outbreak in DR Congo

The latest outbreak in DR Congo is especially concerning because of the development of a new strain of the virus. This strain is supposed to have originated in the mining town of Kamituga in South Kivu province and propagated primarily among sex workers. It is now infecting a far larger population, including kids, healthcare professionals, and entire houses.

Transmission and spread

The new mpox strain is mainly transmitted sexually. However, data suggests that it can also be transmitted by close skin-to-skin contact. This dual mechanism of transmission boosts the virus’s ability to propagate widely. The outbreak’s proximity to the borders of Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda increases the danger of cross-border and international transmission.

Health effects

This new strain has shown to be more virulent than the previous ones. The mortality rate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is 4% for adults and 10% for children. The symptoms include widespread lesions, fever, and extreme discomfort. Some people have had long-term issues with their eyes, skin, and genitalia. Notably, there have been reports of infected pregnant women miscarrying and healthcare personnel losing their sight after contracting the infection.

Challenges in containment

Several factors complicate the containment of the mpox outbreak in DR Congo. The country faces limited access to vaccines and treatments, which hampers efforts to control the spread of the virus. Public awareness about mpox remains low, and there is a lack of treatment kits and vaccines available. Additionally, the country’s many other health priorities strain the healthcare system’s ability to respond effectively to the outbreak.

Global concerns

The World Health Organization (WHO) and global health experts have raised alarms about the potential for the virus to spread beyond DR Congo’s borders. The new strain’s mutations appear to facilitate human-to-human transmission, raising the risk of a more extensive international outbreak. Health experts describe this strain as the “most dangerous yet” and warn of the possibility of asymptomatic spread, which could lead to undetected transmission chains.

Need for urgent action

African experts and health officials have called for immediate action to boost mpox virus research and accelerate vaccine delivery. Vaccinating high-risk groups, including as sex workers and healthcare workers, has the potential to drastically reduce case numbers. However, attaining this requires international cooperation and money.