A new, aggressive strain of the mpox virus is spreading rapidly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi, disproportionately impacting children.
Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency in August, cases among children in the DRC have surged by 130%, rising from 11,300 suspected cases to 25,600. In Burundi, cases have also climbed, reaching 1,100 from an initial 89.
Children face severe risks due to malnutrition, limited healthcare, and poor sanitation in these regions. This new strain, known as clade 1b, poses heightened risks, with children nearly four times more likely to die from the virus than adults.
With Africa recording over 46,000 suspected mpox cases this year, targeted vaccinations and awareness campaigns are urgently needed to contain the outbreak and protect vulnerable children in affected communities.
