The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently facing a new strain of smallpox, described as “the most dangerous yet.” Since January 2024, more than 8,000 cases have been detected throughout the Congolese territory and 384 deaths have been recorded. Health officials are sounding the alarm as the virus spreads rapidly along the country’s eastern border.
The new strain has been detected in several cities, including Goma, which borders Rwanda. Experts are particularly concerned about the risk of cross-border and international spread. The virus, which causes lesions all over the body, can make some people very sick and can be fatal.
Urgent preventive measures
In order to curb the surge in cases and prevent the spread of this new strain, Congolese authorities have approved the use of two smallpox vaccines. Prisca Lunda Kamala, senior health advisor to the military governor of North Kivu, has advised avoiding physical contact with people showing signs of the disease. It is also crucial to avoid contact with sick domestic or wild animals.
In addition, local health authorities warn that the virus could reach other countries. Leandre Murhula Masirika, from the South Kivu provincial health department, points out that the disease can spread through airports. This increases the risk of international spread.
Also read: Nicki Minaj ignites Afronation and waves the flag of the DRC
A deadlier strain
The new strain of smallpox is notable for its ability to spread through non-sexual contact, making it particularly dangerous. Laboratory tests on virus samples from South Kivu revealed the presence of mutations that help transmission between humans. This strain is associated with a mortality rate of 4% in adults and 10% in children.
Scientists are therefore concerned that the new strain could cause more serious illness and deaths, particularly in children and adults. Professor Trudie Lang of the University of Oxford believes that the current figures represent “only the tip of the iceberg”. Indeed, many mild cases could be hidden.
Also read: DRC, Mass escape at Isiro central prison: 27 detainees in the wild
The impact on public health
The DRC faces many challenges in controlling this outbreak. Limited access to vaccines and treatments, as well as low public awareness of smallpox, complicate the situation. John Claude Udahemuka, a lecturer at the University of Rwanda, stresses the importance of vaccinating sex workers and health workers to reduce cases.
In addition, African researchers are calling for urgent action to improve research on the mpox virus and speed up vaccine distribution. The WHO has said that the evolution of the smallpox outbreak in the DRC is “worrying”. The risk associated with smallpox in the country “remains high”.
