Mpox Outbreak In Congo: Why Is This New Strain More Dangerous Than Ever

Mpox Outbreak In Congo: Why Is This New Strain More Dangerous Than Ever (Image Credits: iStock)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is struggling to deal with the most dangerous Mpox outbreak. Scientists warn of a new strain of the disease which may potentially lead to more rapid transmission among humans. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 4,500 suspected Mpox cases have been reported in Congo. These figures have nearly tripled compared to the same period last year, prompting Congo to declare a nationwide health emergency. Cases have been reported in the neighbouring Republic of Congo as well.

How Is The New Virus Being Transmitted?

WHO’s recent report on the global Mpox situation reveals that the new strain may require an adapted testing approach to detect mutations effectively.

Signs And Symptoms Of Mpox

People with Mpox often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals, including the penis, testicles, labia, vagina, and anus. The incubation period is 3–17 days. During this time, a person does not have symptoms and may feel fine.

- The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.

- The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

Other symptoms of Mpox can include:

- Fever

- Chills

- Swollen lymph nodes

- Exhaustion

- Muscle aches and backache

- Headache

- Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough).

Types Of Mpox Variants

Clade I - This variant causes more severe illness and death. Some outbreaks have killed up to 10 percent of the people who get sick, although more recent outbreaks have had lower death rates.

Clade II - This is the type that caused the global outbreak in 2022. Infections from clade II Mpox are less severe.

Researchers have identified a new form of Clade 1 that may be responsible for more than 240 cases and at least three deaths in Kamituga, a region with a significant transient population travelling elsewhere in Africa and beyond.

Mpox Vaccination

Congo faces significant challenges when it comes to vaccines. Vaccines and treatments are scarce, exacerbating the crisis in Congo. However, Congo’s Minister of Health has authorised the use of vaccines in high-risk provinces.

Cris Kacita Osako, coordinator of Congo’s Monkeypox Response Committee, shares ongoing negotiations with donor countries, such as Japan, to procure vaccines.

“Once a sufficient quantity of vaccines is available … vaccination will be implemented as part of the response,” Kacita Osako said.