Progress in the Fight Against Mpox in DR Congo
Health workers in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), where the mpox outbreak began, have reported a significant drop in new cases after vaccines were introduced last month. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed to the BBC that new infections seem to be leveling off in DR Congo, though it’s too early to fully assess the impact of the vaccination campaign.
Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is a highly contagious virus. It has caused at least 900 deaths in DR Congo this year. The WHO has also declared that mpox is still a global public health emergency, the highest alert level for any major health outbreak.
While the outbreak appears to be slowing in DR Congo, public health experts across Africa warn that the disease is still spreading, with 19 countries on the continent reporting cases.
What Is Mpox and How Does It Spread?
Mpox is a viral infection that can spread through close contact with an infected person, their bodily fluids, or contaminated objects. It is known for causing fever, rash, and flu-like symptoms, and in some cases, it can be severe.
Improved Situation in Lwiro
In September, the BBC visited a health clinic in Lwiro, a rural area about an hour’s drive from Bukavu in DR Congo’s South Kivu province. The clinic had been dealing with an intense outbreak linked to a new, more aggressive strain of mpox called Clade 1b, which spreads more quickly and causes more serious illness.
At that time, the clinic was overwhelmed. Patients were lined up for hours, with many having to share beds or mattresses. Healthcare workers were struggling to keep up with the surge in patients.
Nurse Emmanuel Fikiri, who has been on the frontlines for months, shared the dire situation with the BBC: “We couldn’t handle more than 60 patients at once,” he said. “But things have improved thanks to the vaccines and support from our partners.”
A Positive Turnaround
Two months later, the situation in Lwiro has improved. The vaccination campaign has been successful, with many people in the community getting vaccinated. As a result, new infections have dropped significantly. When the BBC visited the hospital again, it was much calmer. There were fewer patients in the wards, and some beds were even empty.
This progress has given health workers like Mr. Fikiri hope that the worst of the outbreak is over, though officials remain cautious as the virus continues to spread in other parts of Africa.
