Mpox in the Republic: An Update on an Ongoing Crisis

Introduction

The ongoing global outbreak of mpox has raised concerns worldwide. In the Republic, a new outbreak due to clade IIb MPXV has emerged among key populations, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and response efforts. This article aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the mpox situation in the Republic.

Historical Context

Mpox has been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for over a decade. The number of cases reported annually has been steadily increasing during this period. Outbreaks of mpox in the region have primarily resulted from zoonotic spillover of clade I MPXV, commonly found in Central Africa.

Recent Outbreak

In April 2024, the Republic of the Congo (ROC), which borders the DRC to the west, declared a clade I mpox outbreak. Since then, several confirmed cases have been reported in the ROC.

Clade IIb MPXV

The ongoing global outbreak has been primarily caused by clade IIb MPXV. This strain is genetically distinct from the clade I virus typically found in Central Africa. The presentation of mpox symptoms has varied with the dominant clade, underscoring the importance of ongoing research and surveillance.