"Monkeypox Outbreak Strikes Democratic Republic of the Congo"

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing a significant increase in mpox (monkeypox) cases, with 12,569 suspected cases reported in 2023, the highest ever recorded. The outbreak has expanded to new provinces, including Kinshasa, and has seen the first documented cases of sexual transmission of clade I MPXV, primarily among men who have sex with men. The spread of mpox has been driven by transmission via sexual contact, and the virus has also been detected in other countries outside of Africa. The situation raises concerns about the rapid expansion of the outbreak and the potential for further spread, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance, testing, and public health measures.