[Profile of mpox cases identified during surveillance of the Kokolo health zone in Kinshasa (DRC) from August to November 2024].

INTRODUCTION

The Kokolo military health zone in the city of Kinshasa (DRC) is one of the areas affected by mpox, with the presence of two subclades Ia and Ib of the monkeypox virus. This study presents the results of mpox-related surveillance activities in this area.

METHODS

Descriptive study of data reported by the surveillance system on the mpox epidemic in the Kokolo health zone between August and November 2024.

RESULTS

Of 202 specimens (143 males, sex ratio 0.71) from individuals clinically suspected of having mpox or contacts of known cases, 25.2% were positive by PCR at the National Institute for Biomedical Research laboratory (median age 25 years, IQR 11-31). Subjects aged 18 years and older were most affected, i.e. 41/51 (80%). Of these 51 confirmed cases, 13 (26%) and 10 (20%) were from the Kokolo 2 health areas and the Kokolo camp logistics base, respectively. All confirmed cases presented with rash. Other reported symptoms were myalgia (50/51, 98%), genital rash (42/51, 82%), arthralgia (42/51, 82%), and headache (41/51, 80%). The median length of stay at the mpox treatment center was 10 days (IQR: 7-9).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that of 202 tests performed on persons suspected of having mpox or contacts of known cases, 25.2% were positive by PCR. All confirmed cases presented with rash, with other common symptoms including myalgia, genital rash, arthralgia, and headache. These results underscore the need to strengthen surveillance and control measures for the spread of mpox, particularly in the most affected health care settings.