The goal of this observational study is to characterize the clinical features of the 2024 mpox outbreak in Equateur Province of DRC and to identify associated risk factors. The main question it aims to answer is: * What are the clinical features of the 2024 mpox outbreak in Equateur Province of DRC? * What are the associated risk factors of the 2024 mpox outbreak? Participants which has mpox like symptoms will answer mpox investigations related questions and be collected skin lesions and whole blood samples.
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), a member of the genus Orthopoxvirus (family Poxviridae). This virus is closely related to the variola virus, which causes smallpox. MPXV was first identified in 1958, and the first human case was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1970. It was presumed that the smallpox (vaccinia) vaccine would confer cross-protection against mpox. Following the global eradication of smallpox in 1980, mpox remained largely confined to limited regions in Central Africa-where zoonotic spillover from wild animal reservoirs constituted the primary route of transmission. Equateur Province is among the areas in the DRC with a notably high burden of reported mpox cases. Over the past five decades, routine smallpox vaccination ceased worldwide, resulting in waning herd immunity against orthopoxviruses. During this period, mpox incidence rose markedly, with an estimated tenfold increase in global cases. Two principal genetic clades of MPXV have been identified: clade I (historically referred to as the Congo Basin clade) and clade II (the West African clade). In 2018, Nigeria experienced a resurgence of mpox, highlighting the virus's potential to emerge in previously controlled areas. Starting in 2022, clade II mpox circulated globally, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM), peaking in mid-2022 before declining to persistently lower levels by early 2023. Although clade II mpox typically exhibits a low case-fatality ratio (\<1%), clade I has historically been associated with more severe disease and higher mortality. In 2023, the number of reported mpox cases continued to climb in the DRC, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August 2024. Recent surveillance indicates that sub-clade Ia MPXV is spreading in western DRC through multiple transmission modes, including contact with infected wild animals, household exposure, or sexual contact. By contrast, sub-clade Ib mpox in the eastern part of the country appears initially to spread via intimate or sexual contact between adults, followed by household transmission. Numerous environmental and social risk factors-including the consumption of rodent species, deforestation, climate change, civil unrest, population displacement, emerging MPXV variants, and weakened immunity-may be driving mpox incidence. Clade Ia mpox is currently affecting western parts of the DRC, yet the epidemiology remains poorly understood due to the limited number of laboratory-confirmed cases. This study aims to characterize the clinical features of the 2024 mpox outbreak in Equateur Province of DRC and to identify associated risk factors. The findings will advance understanding of mpox transmission dynamics and disease severity, ultimately informing more effective prevention and control strategies in endemic settings.
Equateur Provincial Public Health Laboratory
Mbandaka, Équateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mpox positivity
Mpox positivity is determined based on one or more molecular-based diagnostic tests. In addition to standard diagnostic methods, the study will assess the performance of novel diagnostic platforms, such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays. These platforms will be evaluated for sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy compared to established molecular-based techniques.
Time frame: Day 1
Virological Course
Genotypes and longitudinal changes in viral load (measured as copies/mL) will be monitored over multiple time points during the study period. Genotypes and quantitative viral load dynamics will reflect disease progression and the timeline of viral clearance, providing insights into the natural course of infection.
Time frame: Day1 and 3-4 weeks after baseline
Disease outcome
Mpox severity will be evaluated based on skin lesion burden, clinical complications, organ dysfunction, and mortality outcomes. Scoring Criteria: Mild: Fewer than 25 lesions. Moderate: 26-99 lesions. Severe: 100 or more lesions or the presence of organ dysfunction, regardless of lesion count. Fatal Outcome: If a patient dies from mpox or its complications during the study, the case will be classified as "fatal outcome." Assessment: The severity score will integrate the number of skin lesions across various anatomical sites and documented signs of complications (e.g., respiratory distress, neurological symptoms, renal impairment).
Time frame: Day1 and 3-4 weeks after baseline
Serological Response
The serological response will be assessed through the detection and quantification of mpox-specific antibodies(Arbitrary Unit) at different time points. Evaluate the kinetics of the humoral immune response during and after infection. Determine correlations between serological responses, disease severity, and virological clearance.
Time frame: Day1 and 3-4 weeks after baseline
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Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
122
Performance of Novel Diagnostic Platforms
To compare the performance of LAMP-based diagnostics and other emerging diagnostic methods with conventional molecular techniques like PCR. Outcome Metrics: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and turnaround time.
Time frame: Day 1
Clinical Recovery
Defined by the resolution of symptoms and the absence of detectable viral load during follow-up assessments.
Time frame: 3-4 weeks after baseline