Congo faces largest mpox outbreak with new, more transmissible form

Congo is facing its largest mpox outbreak, with over 4,500 suspected cases and nearly 300 deaths reported since January. A new, more easily transmissible form of the disease has been detected in a mining town. Genetic mutations suggest ongoing human transmission. The outbreak has been declared a health emergency. Experts warn of silent transmission due to low testing rates. Vaccines are scarce, with efforts to secure doses underway.