Mpox-measles co-infections reported in hard-hit DR Congo provinces
October 25, 2024
Africa CDC reports continued mpox spread with 2,729 new cases and 26 deaths last week. A concerning trend of mpox-measles co-infections has emerged in DRC's North and South Kivu provinces, primarily affecting children under 15, exacerbated by low measles vaccination coverage and malnutrition. Despite challenges, some positive developments include five countries reporting no cases for four weeks, improved testing rates, and high vaccine acceptance in DRC and Rwanda. With 5.6 million vaccine doses confirmed, vaccination campaigns are expanding, with Nigeria and DRC's Kinshasa planning imminent rollouts.
Africa's mpox outbreak presents a complex picture of both challenges and progress, according to Africa CDC officials. The situation combines new threats with encouraging developments in the response effort.
Key Challenges:
1. Case Numbers:
- 2,729 new cases last week (1,001 lab-confirmed)
- 26 new deaths
- Total 45,327 cases and 1,014 deaths in 2024
- DRC and Burundi account for 96% of recent cases
2. Mpox-Measles Co-infection:
- Rising cases in DRC's North and South Kivu provinces
- Primarily affecting children under 15
- Exacerbated by low measles vaccination coverage
- Complicated by childhood malnutrition
- Research ongoing into disease interaction
3. Regional Spread:
- Increasing cases in Liberia, Kenya, and Uganda
- Contact tracing remains challenging
Positive Developments:
1. Vaccination Progress:
- 5.6 million doses confirmed:
* 2.57 million Jynneos vaccines
* 3 million LC-16 vaccines from Japan
- High acceptance rates in DRC and Rwanda
- New campaigns starting in Nigeria (October 29) and Kinshasa (November 5)
2. Disease Control:
- Five countries report no cases for four weeks
* Cameroon, Gabon, Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa
- Improved testing rates and positivity
- Better sample management following training
3. Vaccination Implementation:
- Successful programs in congested settings
- Coverage including prisons and displaced persons camps
- Active campaigns in Rwanda and three DRC provinces
The situation demonstrates the complexity of managing multiple health challenges simultaneously while highlighting the importance of comprehensive vaccination programs and continued surveillance efforts. The mixed progress suggests both the effectiveness of current interventions and the need for sustained effort in addressing ongoing challenges.