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First imported cases of MPXV Clade Ib from Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Daniel Mukadi-Bamuleka1,2,3, Eddy Kinganda-Lusamaki4,5,6, Noella Mulopo-Mukanya7

  • 1Service de Microbiologie, Département de Biologie Médicale, Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. drmukadi@gmail.com.

Communications Medicine
|November 19, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Clade Ib mpox virus (MPXV) is spreading in the DRC, with new findings showing human-to-human transmission in children. Public health messaging must adapt to include this non-sexual transmission route for effective mpox containment.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Ongoing mpox outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have exceeded 71,000 suspected cases.
  • Clade Ib mpox virus (MPXV) emergence raises public health concerns due to sustained human-to-human transmission and spread to non-endemic East African countries.
  • Clade Ib exhibits epidemiologic deviations, including transmission in adult populations via sexual contact, differing from classic Clade Ia zoonotic transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the introduction and transmission patterns of Clade Ib mpox virus in the North Kivu province.
  • To analyze genomic data and epidemiological characteristics of Clade Ib mpox cases in the Goma region.
  • To inform public health strategies for mpox containment in light of evolving transmission dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of case investigation and epidemiological assessment data from confirmed mpox cases.
  • Whole viral genome sequencing of mpox virus from infected individuals.
  • Assessment of demographic and clinical presentation data from suspected mpox cases.

Main Results:

  • First documented introduction of Clade Ib into North Kivu province via close contact transmission.
  • Identification of limited human-to-human Clade Ib transmission chains among children under 15 in an internally displaced persons camp.
  • Evidence of APOBEC3 mutations and genomic links between North Kivu cases and the larger Clade Ib outbreak in South Kivu.

Conclusions:

  • Mpox case investigations and community messaging must consider non-sexual human-to-human transmission of Clade Ib, particularly involving children under 15.
  • Findings underscore the need to adapt public health interventions for Clade Ib mpox virus.
  • Genomic surveillance and epidemiological assessments are crucial for understanding and controlling emerging mpox outbreaks.

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