Monkeypox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Outcomes, Public Health Implications, and Security Measures
ABSTRACT Background The Monkeypox virus (MPXV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, is responsible for the zoonotic disease known as MPX. Primarily found in western and central Africa, emerging studies indicate a shift in transmission dynamics. Ongoing MPX outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Co...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Immunity, Inflammation and Disease |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/iid3.70102 |
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| author | Izere Salomon Ali Emir Hamitoglu Unkwiye Hertier Mugabekazi Albright Belise Uwase Sandrine Benimana Darius Methode Yusufu Abdoulkarim |
| author_facet | Izere Salomon Ali Emir Hamitoglu Unkwiye Hertier Mugabekazi Albright Belise Uwase Sandrine Benimana Darius Methode Yusufu Abdoulkarim |
| author_sort | Izere Salomon |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | ABSTRACT Background The Monkeypox virus (MPXV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, is responsible for the zoonotic disease known as MPX. Primarily found in western and central Africa, emerging studies indicate a shift in transmission dynamics. Ongoing MPX outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have escalated into significant public health concerns. Objectives This review endeavors to provide a comprehensive analysis of the public health implications, clinical consequences, and preventive measures related to the current MPX outbreak in the DRC. It focuses on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and public health responses to this global health challenge. Methodology The research synthesizes data regarding MPX outbreaks in the DRC, drawing from academic journals, public health reports, and case studies through a narrative review approach. Results The recent outbreak in the DRC has identified approximately 12,569 suspected MPX cases, resulting in 581 fatalities, which corresponds to a case fatality rate (CFR) of 4.6%. These cases have been documented across 156 health sectors in 22 out of 26 provinces, representing the highest case count recorded to date. The epidemic has also encroached upon previously unaffected regions. Hospitalization rates have varied between 4% and 10%, with a significant percentage of cases attributed to sexual transmission. Analysis of demographic and geographic data revealed distinct patterns in viral spread. Clinical outcomes have varied, with an average CFR close to 10%, influenced by factors such as timely diagnosis and access to healthcare services. Rural areas have accounted for over 70% of the cases, highlighting the necessity for targeted public health interventions. Control measures have focused on community awareness campaigns and immunization programs, reaching approximately 50% of the at‐risk population; however, challenges related to resource limitations and political instability have impeded effective response strategies. Conclusion The ongoing MPX outbreak in the DRC poses a substantial public health challenge. While progress has been made in managing the epidemic, it remains imperative to address resource deficiencies and enhance public health systems. Strengthening international collaboration, expanding healthcare access, and improving surveillance capabilities are critical to mitigating the risk of future outbreaks. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-22a39103181f4b0390555127d565c8ce |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2050-4527 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Immunity, Inflammation and Disease |
| spelling | doaj-art-22a39103181f4b0390555127d565c8ce2025-08-20T01:57:39ZengWileyImmunity, Inflammation and Disease2050-45272024-12-011212n/an/a10.1002/iid3.70102Monkeypox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Outcomes, Public Health Implications, and Security MeasuresIzere Salomon0Ali Emir Hamitoglu1Unkwiye Hertier2Mugabekazi Albright Belise3Uwase Sandrine4Benimana Darius5Methode Yusufu Abdoulkarim6Department of General Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Rwanda Kigali RwandaDepartment of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Namık Kemal University Tekirdag TurkeyDepartment of General Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Rwanda Kigali RwandaDepartment of General Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Rwanda Kigali RwandaDepartment of General Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Rwanda Kigali RwandaDepartment of General Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Rwanda Kigali RwandaDepartment of General Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Rwanda Kigali RwandaABSTRACT Background The Monkeypox virus (MPXV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, is responsible for the zoonotic disease known as MPX. Primarily found in western and central Africa, emerging studies indicate a shift in transmission dynamics. Ongoing MPX outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have escalated into significant public health concerns. Objectives This review endeavors to provide a comprehensive analysis of the public health implications, clinical consequences, and preventive measures related to the current MPX outbreak in the DRC. It focuses on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and public health responses to this global health challenge. Methodology The research synthesizes data regarding MPX outbreaks in the DRC, drawing from academic journals, public health reports, and case studies through a narrative review approach. Results The recent outbreak in the DRC has identified approximately 12,569 suspected MPX cases, resulting in 581 fatalities, which corresponds to a case fatality rate (CFR) of 4.6%. These cases have been documented across 156 health sectors in 22 out of 26 provinces, representing the highest case count recorded to date. The epidemic has also encroached upon previously unaffected regions. Hospitalization rates have varied between 4% and 10%, with a significant percentage of cases attributed to sexual transmission. Analysis of demographic and geographic data revealed distinct patterns in viral spread. Clinical outcomes have varied, with an average CFR close to 10%, influenced by factors such as timely diagnosis and access to healthcare services. Rural areas have accounted for over 70% of the cases, highlighting the necessity for targeted public health interventions. Control measures have focused on community awareness campaigns and immunization programs, reaching approximately 50% of the at‐risk population; however, challenges related to resource limitations and political instability have impeded effective response strategies. Conclusion The ongoing MPX outbreak in the DRC poses a substantial public health challenge. While progress has been made in managing the epidemic, it remains imperative to address resource deficiencies and enhance public health systems. Strengthening international collaboration, expanding healthcare access, and improving surveillance capabilities are critical to mitigating the risk of future outbreaks.https://doi.org/10.1002/iid3.70102clinical outcomesDemocratic Republic of the Congoepidemiologyincidence rateMonkeypoxpublic health implications |
| spellingShingle | Izere Salomon Ali Emir Hamitoglu Unkwiye Hertier Mugabekazi Albright Belise Uwase Sandrine Benimana Darius Methode Yusufu Abdoulkarim Monkeypox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Outcomes, Public Health Implications, and Security Measures Immunity, Inflammation and Disease clinical outcomes Democratic Republic of the Congo epidemiology incidence rate Monkeypox public health implications |
| title | Monkeypox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Outcomes, Public Health Implications, and Security Measures |
| title_full | Monkeypox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Outcomes, Public Health Implications, and Security Measures |
| title_fullStr | Monkeypox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Outcomes, Public Health Implications, and Security Measures |
| title_full_unstemmed | Monkeypox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Outcomes, Public Health Implications, and Security Measures |
| title_short | Monkeypox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Outcomes, Public Health Implications, and Security Measures |
| title_sort | monkeypox outbreak in the democratic republic of congo a comprehensive review of clinical outcomes public health implications and security measures |
| topic | clinical outcomes Democratic Republic of the Congo epidemiology incidence rate Monkeypox public health implications |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1002/iid3.70102 |
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