A New Strain Of Mpox Is Spreading In Congo. Here’s What To Know About The Disease

A dangerous new strain of mpox is on the rise in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to reports from BBC.

This year alone, there have been nearly 8,000 deaths in the country from the virus with nearly 400 deaths, according to the WHO. The current outbreak is concerning because it can be spread not only by sexual contact, but also close skin-to-skin contact. In addition, poor access to vaccinations in Congo coupled with international spread through travel could result in increasing cases across the globe.

Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a rare disease caused by a virus similar to Smallpox. Although found mostly in Africa, outbreaks have occurred on other continents, including the Americas and the United States two years previously in 2022. Over 32,000 cases were reported in America with nearly 60 deaths that year, according to the CDC. The Clade II subtype of the virus was responsible for the outbreak in the United States, which is less severe than the currently circulating Clade I subtype in Congo.

Transmission can occur via person-to-person or person-to-animal spread. Person-to-person spread can occur through both direct and indirect contact. Examples of direct contact would include contact with respiratory droplets, scabs, or oral fluids through intimate contact like kissing or sex. Indirect contact can also spread mpox by interacting with clothing or linens that have been infected by humans or animals. Animal-to-person transmission occurs from bites and scratches, or from direct contact from an animal’s bodily fluids like blood.

After exposure, it can take a couple days to up to three weeks before symptoms of mpox occur. Common initial symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes which differentiate mpox from smallpox. Within one to three days after the onset of symptoms, a rash can develop on the face, but can also spread to other parts of the body including the hands, feet and genital regions. The rash can be painful and resemble pimples, and often changes over time before scabbing and falling off. The rash can last two to four weeks, and one is considered infected until the rash completely resolves.

Healthcare providers can diagnose mpox based on the clinical picture but ultimately, a tissue sample from an open sore may need to be sent for laboratory analysis to confirm mpox.

There are currently no approved antiviral treatments for mpox, although some antiviral drugs that are approved to treat smallpox like tecovirimat can be helpful in alleviating some symptoms. Treatment usually revolves around supportive care addressing symptoms like fever and headache and preventing superimposed infection with bacteria.

The vast majority of mpox cases are self-limited with symptoms resolving after two to four weeks, particularly the Clade II subtype that is endemic to West Africa and is present in the Americas. However, the more serious Clade I subtype endemic to Central Africa can kill up to 10% of people that become sick, according to the CDC. Young patients, pregnant females and immunocompromised individuals are at greater risk for severe illness, complications such as pneumonia and ultimately death.

There are several ways all of us can prevent and protect ourselves from mpox. The best protection involves avoiding intimate and close contact with those that have mpox or have a rash that may look like mpox. For those at high risk of getting mpox, a two dose JYNNEOS vaccine that is effective against both smallpox and mpox should be considered. The two doses of the vaccine should be administered one month apart in order to achieve maximum immunity.

In America, men who have sex with men and tans women are at highest risk. According to reports from CBS, only 23% of those at risk in America are vaccinated. Timely vaccination of high risk individuals could help prevent the spread and rise of mpox in the months to come.