At least 25 cases of a dangerous new strain of mpox have been identified in the eastern city of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, with the majority occurring in camps housing individuals displaced by surrounding conflicts, according to health authorities.
Since the beginning of 2023, Congo has experienced over 20,000 mpox cases, resulting in more than 1,000 fatalities, primarily among children. This year alone, there have been over 11,000 reported cases, including 443 deaths.
Despite recent approval of mpox vaccines to combat the outbreak, none are currently available outside of clinical trials in the country. Cris Kacita, the head of the national response team against the mpox epidemic, indicated that the majority of new cases were identified in displaced people camps.
The new strain of the virus causing these cases is spreading in South Kivu province, with Goma serving as the capital and largest city of the neighboring North Kivu province. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and scientists have expressed concern about the mpox situation in Congo, highlighting the emergence of a new strain in South Kivu.
Although mpox has been present in Congo for decades, a new variant of the clade I of the virus emerged last year. This viral infection, transmitted through close contact, produces flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While most cases are mild, some can be fatal.
Kacita confirmed that the virus has been circulating in Goma for an extended period, attributing the rapid spread of the epidemic to promiscuity in the camps. Overcrowded camps housing individuals who have fled conflict in Congo’s insurgent-affected east have contributed to the escalation of cases.
The number of displaced persons has risen following a major offensive launched by the M23 rebel group in 2022, prompting national and regional military interventions that have struggled to contain the militia’s advancements. The risk of mpox spreading further remains a concern, given the current conditions in the region.
