A new variant of mpox has emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), causing the country’s largest outbreak to date and raising global health concerns, particularly across Asia.
Since January, the DRC has reported over 4,500 suspected cases and nearly 300 deaths, a threefold increase compared to the same period last year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak has prompted the DRC to declare a national health emergency.
Scientists have detected genetic mutations in the mpox virus, suggesting it is adapting for more efficient human-to-human transmission. Dr. Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, head of the DRC’s National Institute of Biomedical Research, noted that the new strain may be easier to spread and could represent a new phase of the disease.
Unlike previous outbreaks where lesions appeared on the chest, hands, and feet, patients now report milder lesions primarily on the genitals, making the disease more difficult to diagnose and potentially leading to silent transmission.
With fewer than half of mpox cases in the DRC being tested, experts warn that undetected spread could pose a global risk. “Unless patients come forward, we will have silent transmission, and nobody will know,” said Dr. Mbala-Kingebeni.
The new variant is predominantly spreading through sexual contact, with about a third of cases found among sex workers. This shift echoes the early stages of HIV, raising concerns about stigma and the reluctance of patients to seek treatment.
Although mpox outbreaks in Western countries were contained with vaccines and treatments, such resources are scarce in the DRC. Officials are in talks with donor countries like Japan to secure vaccines for high-risk provinces.
Health experts emphasize the importance of global vigilance. Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an infectious diseases expert at Emory University, warned that the virus’s adaptations could lead to significant outbreaks. WHO’s emergencies chief, Michael Ryan, highlighted the lack of international funding to combat mpox in Africa.
Asian countries, with their dense populations and significant travel connections to Africa, should remain alert to the potential spread of the new mpox variant. Enhanced surveillance, testing, and preparedness are crucial to prevent a possible outbreak in the region.
As the situation unfolds, global cooperation is essential to control the spread of this emerging mpox strain. Timely intervention and support can prevent the disease from becoming a larger threat, particularly in vulnerable regions across Asia.
Reference(s):
Easier to spread? A new form of mpox found in Congo's biggest outbreak
cgtn.com
