DRC - Mpox (monkeypox) outbreak 2024

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Cases of new mpox strain more than double among children in DR Congo and Burundi since emergency declared

13 Nov 2024 Burundi Democratic Congo
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KINSHASA, 13 November 2024 –
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The fast-moving clade 1b strain has disproportionately affected children in the DRC – the epicentre of the outbreak - and in Burundi, where they face severe health risks due to hunger, displacement, and limited healthcare. These two countries account for 92% of all mpox cases in Africa this year.

As of 3 November, cases among children in the DRC had increased by over 130% from about 11,300 suspected cases to 25,600, while in Burundi, mpox has risen from 89 confirmed child cases to around 1,100 since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on 14 August.

The overall risk to the population in the DRC and Burundi remains critically high but particularly to children who are nearly four times more likely to die from the new strain of mpox than adults.
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Dr. Katia Vieira de Moraes LaCasse, Save the Children’s Senior clinical manager at the Emergency Health Unit, said:

"This new mpox variant is still poorly understood, but we do know it is moving quickly between children, especially in the DRC and Burundi, who are already facing severe risks from conflict-driven or climate-driven hunger and collapsing healthcare. As mpox spreads across Europe and other parts of the world, the world must not turn its back on children caught at the heart of this outbreak.
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https://www.savethechildren.net/news/cases-new-mpox-strain-more-double-among-children-dr-congo-and-burundi-emergency-declared

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Monkeypox (MPox) in the DRC: more than 50,000 people vaccinated in the first phase

Published on Fri, 11/15/2024 - 11:58 | Modified on Fri, 11/15/2024 - 12:02

More than 50,000 people have been vaccinated in the first phase of the monkeypox (MPOX) vaccination campaign in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention, Roger Kamba, announced these figures during a press conference this Thursday, November 14 in Kinshasa. He specifies that the DRC has recorded in total this year more than 40 thousand people infected with MPOX, including approximately 1,130 deaths.

He also announced that this operation will enter its second phase and will expand in the country with the arrival, on Thursday, November 14, of a batch of 100,000 doses of vaccine, donated by the German government.

"The number of suspected cases, we exceeded 42 thousand in the 45th week. And we have exceeded 1130 deaths approximately for the whole country since the beginning of the year. This Mpox virus, with this sexual contamination, showed a difference and increased the number of cases a lot. The difference is that the one we knew before almost quickly gave generalized spots which meant that the contamination was limited because we saw the sick with spots everywhere so we were a little afraid", indicated Samuel oger Kamba

The press conference on Thursday, November 14 marks the end of the first phase of the monkeypox vaccination campaign in the DRC. Thus, the 51,000 people already vaccinated are waiting to receive a second dose during the second phase of the operation.

Minister Kamba finally indicated that the country has just over 200 thousand doses of monkeypox vaccine (Mpox).

https://www.radiookapi.net/2024/11/15/actualite/sante/variole-du-singe-mpox-en-rdc-plus-de-50-000-personnes-vaccinees-dans-la

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DRC: nearly 500 suspected cases of Mpox reported in the 46th epidemiological week

November 19, 2024

Kinshasa, November 19, 2024 (ACP) .- Four hundred and seventy-eight suspected cases of Mpox, fifty-six laboratory-confirmed cases and one death were reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 46th epidemiological week, from November 11 to 16, 2024, we learned from a press release on Tuesday.

"During the 46th week , from November 11 to 16, 2024, the DRC reported 478 suspected cases of Mpox, 56 confirmed cases and 1 death ," read the press release from the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (Cousp) of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) consulted Tuesday by the ACP

According to the source, during this period, there was a predominance of cases reported in the provinces of South Kivu, North Kivu and Tshuapa, which recorded around 70% of suspected cases.

"This gives us a partial cumulative total, from week 1 to week 46 of 2024, of 45,902 suspected cases notified for 10,309 confirmed cases and 1,160 deaths with an overall lethality of suspected cases of 2.52% among and an overall lethality of confirmed cases of 0.42%," the document specified.

The same source noted some activities in response to the Mpox epidemic, including the continuation of vaccination in the Kokolo health zone in Kinshasa, the revision of the vaccination plan according to the new strategy in progress, the briefing of Kinshasa providers, preparations for the second vaccination round in the health zones of the first block and the receipt of 100,000 doses of vaccine from Germany.

As a reminder, the province of Equateur vaccinated 5,431 people, North Kivu 13,414, South Kivu 22,918, South Ubangi 5,500 and Tshopo 2,184.

Furthermore, the coordinator of the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (Cousp), Dr. Christian Ngandu, said in the same press release that during the strategic coordination meeting of the Mpox response in the DRC, chaired by the Secretary General of Public Health, representing the Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Security, instructions were given to all provinces regarding their alignment with regard to their response to the epidemiological situation which tends to decline in the two epidemiological weeks 45 and 46.

But efforts must be redoubled to maintain the trend with the deployment of multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary teams in Kinshasa so that the epidemic in the capital of the DRC is controlled. ACP/CL

https://acp.cd/sante/rdc-pres-500-cas-suspects-de-mpox-notifies-a-la-46eme-semaine-epidemiologique/

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North Kivu: five cases of Mpox reported to Beni central prison

November 19, 2024

Beni, November 19, 2024 (ACP) .- Five cases of Mpox have been reported since Sunday, November 17, 2024 at the central prison of Beni located in the health area of Mabolio, commune of Beu-Beni, in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the ACP learned on Tuesday from an administrative source.

"The city of Beni now records five cases of Mpox, cases reported in the Mabolio health area, precisely in the central prison of Beni-Kangbayi," said in an interview with the ACP, the senior commissioner and mayor of the municipality of Beu-Beni, Lambert Tshingoma Mukendi.

The municipal authority called on its citizens to strictly observe barrier measures by respecting hygiene rules to prevent this viral disease. These data were collected by the municipal services assigned to the central prison of Beni. ACP/CL

https://acp.cd/sante/nord-kivu-cinq-cas-de-mpox-notifies-a-la-prison-centrale-de-beni/

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Haut-Uele Province
/https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haut-U%C3%A9l%C3%A9
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Haut-Uélé: a first suspected case of Mpox reported in Faradje

November 22, 2024

Isiro, November 22, 2024 (ACP).- A first suspected case of Mpox was recorded in the Faradje health zone, more precisely in Tadu, Haut-Uélé province, in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the ACP learned on Friday from a health source.

"We were alerted by the presence of a very first case of Mpox in Tadu, in the Faradje health zone. The team that investigated noted from the signs that the patient presented that it was indeed a suspected case of Mpox, before the sample taken was sent to the INRB," said Dr. Bienvenue Mogodi Malara, head doctor of the Faradje health zone. "May the population not panic or become agitated, may they remain calm. We want everyone to be able to continue to observe the barrier measures ," he said. According to this doctor, this is the only case that has been reported in the Faradje health zone since the appearance of the Mpox epidemic in the DRC in general and in the Haut-Uélé province in particular.

ACP/CL

https://acp.cd/nation/haut-uele-un-premier-cas-suspect-de-mpox-notifie-a-faradje/

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North Kivu: 25 cases of Mpox confirmed in the Butembo DPS

29.11.2024
Provinces

A total of 25 confirmed cases of MPox have been documented in the Provincial Health Division (DPS) branch of Butembo, in North Kivu province. These statistics were given on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 in Butembo, during a briefing with the press.

According to Mumbere Luhavo Damaze, communicator of the DPS branch of Butembo, there is also one death, or 4% as a fatality rate. 7 health zones are already affected out of the 17 that make up the Provincial Health Division. The health zones of Mutwanga and Beni occupy the first position of the affected health entities.

"The number of health zones in the far north is 7 health zones including Mutwanga with 10 confirmed cases and there, it is precisely at the level of the health area of Kasanga, Kangauka towards Kasindi Lubiriha; the health zone which is in second position, is that of Beni with 5 confirmed cases and there, it was last week that 5 cases were confirmed at the central prison of Kangbayi; the third position is the health zone of Kyondo. Here, the cumulative total is 5 confirmed cases with 1 death; for the fourth position, it is the health zone of Katwa in the city of Butembo which includes the communes of Bulengera and Mususa where we have already had to record 2 confirmed cases; the fifth position is the health zone of Alimbongo where we have already recorded 1 confirmed case; the sixth zone is that of Manguredjipa which has already recorded 1 confirmed case; and the last area is Vuhovi with 1 confirmed case,” said Mumbere Luhavo Damaze.

Faced with the surge in Mpox cases, the DPS calls on the community to fight effectively against this disease, in particular by strengthening barrier measures including proper hand washing with soap or alcohol gel, avoiding having sexual relations with a person who has signs of the disease, not touching the sheets, clothes and utensils of someone who is sick, not handling or eating the meat of a dead animal, getting vaccinated, not touching the bodies of people who died of Mpox, using a condom for every casual sexual encounter.

Delphin Mupanda (Correspondent in North Kivu)
congo-press.com (MCP) / mediacongo.net

https://www.mediacongo.net/article-actualite-144835_nord_kivu_25_cas_de_mpox_confirmes_dans_la_dps_butembo.html

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Mpox: WHO extends state of health emergency, DRC still at the top of most affected countries

Saturday, November 30, 2024 - 10:55 p.m.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Committee has decided to maintain the monkeypox (MPox) outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern. This decision, made public on 28 November, follows the second meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee held on 22 November, which focused on the 2024 Mpox resurgence in Africa.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained that the decision was necessary because of the continued increase in cases and their geographical spread, ongoing operational challenges, and the need for a coordinated response among countries and partners. He said the situation had become more complex since the last meeting in August 2024, requiring an international response to prevent further spread, particularly in countries where the number of cases remains low.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains the country most affected by the epidemic, followed by Burundi and Nigeria. According to the DRC Ministry of Health, the country has recorded 49,056 reported cases since the beginning of 2024, including 10,846 confirmed cases and 1,193 deaths. During week 47, 893 suspected cases were reported, including 42 confirmed cases. No deaths were reported among confirmed cases, but nine deaths were recorded among suspected cases, bringing the case fatality rate from 0.21% (week 46) to 1% (week 47).

To intensify the fight against Mpox, the WHO Emergency Committee recommended providing clinical, nutritional and psychosocial support to patients, mobilizing domestic and international funding for prevention and response activities, and strengthening risk communication and community engagement. The committee also called for targeted vaccination campaigns in critical areas, increased surveillance and cross-border collaborations to manage suspected cases and their contacts.

Since 14 August 2024, WHO, in partnership with the Africa Centre for Disease Surveillance and Prevention (Africa CDC), had already classified Mpox as a public health emergency due to the intensification of the epidemic on the African continent.

Grace Guka

https://actualite.cd/2024/11/30/mpox-loms-prolonge-letat-durgence-sanitaire-la-rdc-toujours-en-tete-des-pays-les-plus

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Mpox in the DRC: The Ministry of Health reassures on the stabilization of suspected cases

Friday, December 6, 2024 - 12:16

Roger Kamba, Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, announced at a press conference held Thursday, December 5 in Kinshasa, a stabilization of monkeypox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to data from the ministry, a significant decrease in cases has been observed since week 39, with a reduction from 849 to 430 reported cases.

"For the last two weeks, we were at 849 cases in week 47 and around 430 cases in week 48. Currently, we are no longer in the explosion that we might have feared. Since weeks 39 or 40 until today, we have observed a downward stability. The suspected cases of Mpox reported to us are slightly decreasing. Even the national and international experts present here confirm this trend," said Minister Roger Kamba.

Vaccination underway and new vaccines expected

Regarding vaccination, the Director General of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Dieudonné Mwamba Kazadi, indicated that the vaccination campaign is progressing. The first dose has been administered in the six most affected provinces, and the second phase will begin next week.

“We have completed the first phase of vaccination, because it must be remembered that the vaccine is administered in two doses. Regarding Japanese vaccines, discussions are very advanced with the Japanese government, and we are at the stage of signing agreements to also vaccinate children. We are also receiving new doses of MVA vaccines for the second phase in the affected provinces,” said Dieudonné Mwamba Kazadi.

Since the start of the Mpox outbreak in the DRC, the country has recorded 49,056 cases, including 10,846 confirmed cases and 1,193 deaths. The provinces currently most affected by the outbreak include Equateur, South Kivu, Tshopo, Sankuru and Bas-Uélé.

Grace Guka

https://actualite.cd/2024/12/06/mpox-en-rdc-le-ministere-de-la-sante-rassure-sur-la-stabilisation-des-cas-suspects

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Mpox in Tshopo: Increase in Mpox cases with more than 2,000 cases and 104 deaths recorded

Saturday, December 7, 2024 - 06:17

The number of Mpox cases continues to grow in Tshopo province. According to the provincial health division, more than 2,115 cases have been recorded, accompanied by 104 deaths since the beginning of the epidemic, according to the week 47 report.

During an awareness session organized by the communication unit of the provincial health division, community leaders were informed about the risks associated with Mpox and the importance of their involvement in the response. This meeting also provided an opportunity to share information on the epidemiological situation, modes of transmission and preventive measures.

According to John Mundele, in charge of the communication unit, "more than 2,115 cases have been recorded, with 104 deaths. However, several patients suffering from Mpox do not consult medical facilities for treatment. Some turn to traditional treatments," he confirmed.

The Tshopo provincial health division recently received significant support in the area of communication to strengthen awareness. "This support comes from the national level. It is essential to transmit the right information to beneficiaries, so that they can relay it in their communities," explained Dr. Emmanuel, who came from Kinshasa.

More than 80 participants took part in the session, including religious leaders, police and military personnel, government officials, as well as representatives of women's organizations and civil society. Women traders and students were also invited to contribute to the activity.

From Kisangani, Gabriel Makabu

https://actualite.cd/index.php/2024/12/07/mpox-dans-la-tshopo-augmentation-des-cas-de-mpox-avec-plus-de-2-000-cas-et-104-deces

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Ministère de la Santé RDC 🇨🇩
@MinSanteDRC

Translated from French by Google

Mpox Status Update

During the week 604 suspected cases of which 8 cases were confirmed

The case fatality rate increased from 0.41% (Week 48) to 0% (Week 49). Since the beginning of the epidemic (Week 1 to Week 49), 53,860 suspected cases have been reported, of which 11,984 cases have been confirmed and 1,225 deaths have been recorded.

Highlights
No deaths among confirmed cases
(Video)

9:39 AM · Dec 12, 2024
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Screenshots from the video:

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Mpox in the DRC: in the displaced persons camps in Goma, containing the epidemic [3/3]

Published on:20/12/2024 - 00:04

In the displaced persons camps outside the capital of North Kivu province, Goma, hundreds of thousands of people have been crammed together since 2021 and the clashes between the M23 men, supported by the Rwandan army, and pro-government troops. The living conditions and promiscuity between the displaced are two conditions favorable to the development of the mpox virus. However, the epidemic has not exploded there, but many questions remain unanswered.

At the health center of the Rusayo 1 displaced persons camp, at the entrance to the new building, hand washing stations have been installed everywhere. Only a few health workers are authorized to follow up on confirmed and suspected cases of MPOX. " Here, we have many suspected cases, but given the conditions in which the [displaced persons] live, there could be more," says Dr. Marius Sanani, an epidemiologist. Because the MPOX epidemic has not exploded in the displaced persons camps, contrary to the fears of the authorities and humanitarians at the beginning of the epidemic.

" We are in a camp for displaced people, but we do not even reach more than three cases per day. What exactly is happening despite the contacts, the promiscuity?, asks the epidemiologist. The cases are not exploding."

While it is rather a good thing that cases of mpox are not exploding despite the promiscuity in the camps, Doctor Marius Sanani explains that we need to understand the reasons. Several avenues have been put forward. " We will continue to think about it. Is it our action that is effective? Is it a natural immunity that has been developed secondarily, given that we have more cases in children? We are asking ourselves questions with our colleagues," explains the doctor.

Patients without symptoms who can transmit the disease

The only two patients who died from the MPOX disease in Goma were in fact newborns, who died from a possible congenital infection, explains Dr. Abdoul Karim Sangaré, the medical coordinator of the NGO Alima. " Newborns are born with the disease of the mothers, who were positive [for MPOX]. It happened that we did not even have any signs, any trace of MPOX in the mother. But the child was born with it, which was confirmed, testifies the doctor. So this shows that in the community, there are still people who harbor the virus, who do not have the disease, but who will continue to transmit it."

A few serious cases continue to emerge. They are then referred to the approved center supported by the NGO Alima, at the general hospital in Goma.

https://www.rfi.fr/fr/podcasts/reportage-afrique/20241219-mpox-en-rdc-dans-les-camps-de-d%C3%A9plac%C3%A9s-%C3%A0-goma-contenir-l-%C3%A9pid%C3%A9mie-3-3