Researchers from the VERDI project, Vivi Maketa, Placide Mbala-Kingebeni and Hypolite Muhindo-Mavoko, from the University of Kinshasa, have contributed to a landmark study published in The Lancet. The article offers the most comprehensive clinical description to date of mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in regions affected by both clade 1a and the newly emerged clade 1b of the mpox virus, based on data collected between October 2023 and September 2024.
This multi-province, surveillance-based observational study analysed 4,895 PCR-confirmed cases, including 4,436 from newly affected provinces where clade 1b is circulating and 459 from endemic regions with clade 1a. Using standardised data collection tools, the study offers robust, high-quality data on differences in demographics, transmission patterns, clinical symptoms, complications and outcomes across regions.
The findings reveal that mpox is affecting a predominantly young population, with a significant number of cases among women and girls, including during pregnancy. High rates of complications and deaths, particularly in endemic regions, are cause for serious concern.
The study calls for urgent action: updated clinical guidelines to improve the management of complications, targeted vaccination strategies to reduce disease burden, and tailored public health messaging that effectively reaches youth and women at risk.
This work strengthens the evidence base for regional response strategies and raises global awareness about the severity and spread of mpox clades, providing relevant guidance for global preparedness efforts.