Overview
Mpox, a viral infection known for causing flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, has resurfaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a new variant, Clade Ib, posing heightened transmissibility among children and adolescents. This variant is causing concern due to its ease of transmission through routine close contact, a shift from the previous strains.
Recent Cases
At a displacement camp near Goma, visible scars from mpox pustules mark the faces of children, including 7-year-old Grace Kabuo, who recently recovered from the virus. Local doctors have reported 130 suspected cases, predominantly among children under five, within the past month.
Transmission and Impact
The outbreak in Congo, with 27,000 cases and over 1,100 deaths since early 2023, started with Clade I but has been exacerbated by the more contagious Clade Ib. In densely populated camps, the close quarters and interactions among children facilitate the virus’s spread.
Challenges and Response
- Healthcare Strain: With no vaccines or specific treatments available outside clinical trials, the response is hampered by regulatory hurdles, funding shortages, and concurrent outbreaks of measles and cholera.
- Vaccination Efforts: Despite the approval of two mpox vaccines, international support and WHO regulations present barriers to widespread vaccination.
- Isolation Measures: In Munigi, isolation rooms previously used for Ebola are repurposed to contain mpox, although no deaths have been reported among the 82 discharged patients.
Expert Insights
- Public Health Call to Action: Microbiologist Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum emphasizes the need for immediate global action against mpox, highlighting its potential to become a significant public health issue.
- International Comparisons: Unlike the Clade IIb variant, which spurred international health emergencies in 2022, the current situation in Congo lacks the necessary resources for a robust response.
Future Concerns
Health officials and scientists, including Cris Kacita and Rosamund Lewis from WHO, stress the importance of thorough investigations and contact tracing to manage the outbreak. They warn that without effective measures, the number of affected children may rise.
Conclusion
The emergence of the Clade Ib variant in Congo highlights the urgent need for coordinated global efforts to provide medical resources, support vaccination campaigns, and conduct research to understand and mitigate the virus’s impact, particularly on vulnerable populations like children.
