New Strain of Mpox Virus Spreads Rapidly in DRC, Raising Global Concerns

The Democratic Republic of Congo faces its largest mpox outbreak, with a dangerous new strain spreading through sexual and non-sexual contact.

Over 21,000 cases and 1,000 deaths have been recorded since 2022 in the DRC.
The new strain, clade Ib, is more transmissible and deadly, affecting children and healthcare workers.
Sexual transmission is significant, especially in areas with high populations of sex workers.
Limited resources and ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC complicate containment efforts.
Neighboring countries face heightened risk due to high mobility in border regions.