Congo: WHO Reports 384 deaths, 8,000 Cases Of Mpox, Warns Of Rapid Spread

A new strain of the Mpox (monkeypox) virus, spreading rapidly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been considered “the most dangerous so far” by health experts.

This strain has been identified in several cities along the border, such as Goma, which shares its border with Rwanda.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there have been nearly 8,000 cases in DR Congo this year, with 384 deaths, almost half of which were among children under 15.

In 2023, the country recorded its highest number of Mpox infections and deaths to date, with 654 fatalities and over 14,500 reported cases.

Researchers have cautioned that this strain could potentially spread internationally. The last major concern over a strain occurred in 2022, when a less severe form of the virus, clade IIb, spread globally and was contracted mainly through sexual contact between gay men.

The WHO has stressed a critical need to address the surge in cases.

The Disease

Mpox (or monkeypox) is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a viral infection that can spread between people and occasionally from the environment to people via things and surfaces touched by a person with the virus.

Mpox causes a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, often requiring medical care. Higher-risk groups include pregnant women, children, and immunocompromised persons, such as those with untreated advanced HIV.

Common symptoms are rashes lasting 2-4 weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.

The rash appears as blisters or sores on the face, hands, feet, groin, and genital/anal areas and can also affect the mouth, throat, anus, rectum, vagina, or eyes.

Symptoms usually resolve within weeks with supportive care, but severe cases can lead to complications or death.

Severe mpox involves widespread lesions, bacterial infections, and inflammation of vital organs. Hospitalisation and antiviral treatment may be necessary.

Mortality rates, according to the WHO, range from 0.1% to 10%, varying with healthcare access and immunosuppression.

Read more: Former Konga CEO Nick Imudia Reportedly Dies by Suicide

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