However a new and easier to catch strain, called “clade 1b”, has emerged and is behind a recent surge in cases in the east of the country.
Clade 1b appears to be better at spreading between people and has mutations that evade detection by some existing tests.
While most new infections in the DRC have been sexually transmitted, there have been cases of the virus spreading between household members and among schoolchildren.
The DRC has reported over 29,000 cases and 1,100 fatalities – the vast majority of them children – since the beginning of 2023.
Dr Rosamund Lewis, the WHO’s technical lead for mpox, said: “WHO has been concerned about the growing outbreak of mpox in the DRC for some time.
“The expanding outbreak in East Africa is further cause for concern and all measures should be taken to support these countries for preparedness and response to stop further spread.”
The African Union said late last week it had approved £8.1m from Covid funds to support mpox testing, monitoring, data collection and access to vaccines Africa CDC’s efforts to continue to combat the mpox outbreak across the continent”.
It will help increase monitoring, laboratory testing, regional and national data collection, case and infection management, and access to vaccines.
