Congo Faces Alarming Mpox Outbreak with Emerging Variants

The Democratic Republic of Congo is grappling with its largest mpox outbreak to date, with over 4,500 suspected cases and 300 deaths reported since January, the Associated Press reported yesterday.

Researchers have detected a new genetic variant of the virus in the town of Kamituga, which may spread more easily among humans, the source mentioned.

“We’re in a new phase of mpox,” warned Dr. Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, the lead researcher. The variant has caused milder symptoms, making it harder to diagnose. Concerningly, less than half of Congo’s mpox patients are being tested, risking silent transmission.

While the global mpox outbreak was controlled in the West, Congo lacks access to vaccines and treatments. Experts warn the virus is adapting to spread efficiently in humans, potentially leading to “consequential outbreaks” if left unchecked.