Patient zero: How one doctor helped uncover the origin of the DRC’s mpox outbreak
January 23, 2025
Dr. Leandre Murhala Masirika’s investigation into South Kivu’s wildlife for mpox took an unexpected turn when the first human case of a new, more virulent clade, 1b, emerged in Kamituga, Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak rapidly escalated, with bars and sex workers as epicenters, overwhelming healthcare facilities. Despite limited resources, Dr. Masirika spearheaded epidemiological research and containment efforts, even using personal funds to support patients. By December 2024, over 55,000 vaccines were administered, but children remain disproportionately affected. As researchers probe the origins and transmission of clade 1b, Dr. Masirika continues his vital work, emphasizing the global stakes of this crisis.
In September 2023, Dr. Leandre Murhala Masirika embarked on a mission to investigate mpox in South Kivu’s wildlife, but his research shifted dramatically when a photo on WhatsApp alerted him to the first human case of clade 1b in Kamituga, Democratic Republic of Congo. This new, highly transmissible strain sparked a severe outbreak that rapidly overwhelmed the town's hospitals. Patient zero, a bar manager, inadvertently spread the virus to sex workers and their clients, highlighting the strain’s potential for human-to-human transmission.
Clade 1b, distinct from the endemic clade 1 strain, presented with severe symptoms centered on the genitals and rapidly spread through sexual contact, particularly in Kamituga's bars. Despite the efforts of Dr. Masirika and international collaborators, the outbreak spiraled as resources remained scarce. Hospitals struggled with inadequate beds, supplies, and funding, leaving healthcare workers exposed, and some succumbed to the disease themselves.
By January 2024, international teams, including the UK Medical Research Council, mobilized to study and contain the outbreak. However, delayed responses and minimal early intervention allowed the virus to spread across the DRC and into neighboring countries. By December, over 55,000 vaccines had been administered, but children, who remain unvaccinated, bear the brunt of the outbreak, especially in displacement camps plagued by unsanitary conditions.
Dr. Masirika’s efforts continue, driven by a commitment to uncover the mysteries of clade 1b’s origins and transmission. His findings suggest the strain may have emerged in Kamituga due to complex interactions between humans and wildlife, though definitive evidence is lacking. As the crisis unfolds, his relentless dedication underscores the need for robust global collaboration to tackle emerging pathogens and protect vulnerable populations from future health threats.