"Dangerous MPOX Outbreak Accelerates Among Children in DRC"

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a severe outbreak of a deadlier form of mpox, known as clade one, with children accounting for the majority of infections and deaths. The outbreak is accelerating at a much greater rate than previously assumed, with concerns that it could spread beyond central Africa if not contained soon. Waning immunity due to the discontinuation of smallpox vaccinations and shifting patterns of spread, including sexual transmission, are contributing to the crisis. The response to the outbreak has been hampered by limited resources, including a lack of rapid tests, vaccination campaigns, and access to healthcare, making it difficult to accurately assess the full extent of the outbreak and provide adequate care.