The World Health Organization (WHO) announced Monday that the spread of mpox cases in South Kivu, a region in Congo where a new, more contagious variant of the virus was first detected, may be leveling off. However, infections continue to rise in other parts of Congo and neighboring countries Burundi and Uganda.
The U.N. health agency’s latest report highlighted an overall “rising trend” in mpox infections across the region, although South Kivu appears to be experiencing a plateau. This area, especially the gold-mining town of Kamituga, has been the epicenter of the outbreak since earlier this year, when the more infectious variant began spreading, particularly among sex workers and miners.
Data from last week indicates that Congo reported fewer than 100 laboratory-confirmed mpox cases, a marked decline from nearly 400 cases in July. Health experts are cautiously optimistic, observing a recent stabilization that may offer health authorities a critical opportunity to contain the outbreak.
Despite these signs of progress, WHO officials noted that limited testing in the region makes it challenging to accurately track the virus’s spread. Testing limitations, especially in remote areas, mean that the actual number of mpox infections may be significantly higher than reported.
The WHO continues to stress the importance of expanded testing and public health efforts to better monitor and curb the virus. The agency has also called for strengthened prevention and awareness measures in areas where cases are increasing, particularly in neighboring Burundi and Uganda, to prevent further spread across borders.
