New Mpox Variant Spreads In Congo, Primarily Impacting Children

Reuters (7/24, Katanty, Rigby, Rolley) reports a new mpox variant has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo, showing increased transmissibility. There have been 130 suspected cases in the last four weeks near Goma, primarily affecting children. Dr. Pierre-Olivier Ngadjole, a medical advisor for Medair, reported that 50% of these cases involve children under five. The outbreak, which began with the endemic Clade I strain, has resulted in 27,000 cases and over 1,100 deaths “since the beginning of 2023.” Congo has approved two mpox vaccines, but funding and regulatory challenges hinder their distribution.