On M-pox

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Mpox in the DRC: in the displaced persons camps in Goma, containing the epidemic [3/3]

Published on:20/12/2024 - 00:04

In the displaced persons camps outside the capital of North Kivu province, Goma, hundreds of thousands of people have been crammed together since 2021 and the clashes between the M23 men, supported by the Rwandan army, and pro-government troops. The living conditions and promiscuity between the displaced are two conditions favorable to the development of the mpox virus. However, the epidemic has not exploded there, but many questions remain unanswered.

At the health center of the Rusayo 1 displaced persons camp, at the entrance to the new building, hand washing stations have been installed everywhere. Only a few health workers are authorized to follow up on confirmed and suspected cases of MPOX. " Here, we have many suspected cases, but given the conditions in which the [displaced persons] live, there could be more," says Dr. Marius Sanani, an epidemiologist. Because the MPOX epidemic has not exploded in the displaced persons camps, contrary to the fears of the authorities and humanitarians at the beginning of the epidemic.

" We are in a camp for displaced people, but we do not even reach more than three cases per day. What exactly is happening despite the contacts, the promiscuity?, asks the epidemiologist. The cases are not exploding."

While it is rather a good thing that cases of mpox are not exploding despite the promiscuity in the camps, Doctor Marius Sanani explains that we need to understand the reasons. Several avenues have been put forward. " We will continue to think about it. Is it our action that is effective? Is it a natural immunity that has been developed secondarily, given that we have more cases in children? We are asking ourselves questions with our colleagues," explains the doctor.

Patients without symptoms who can transmit the disease

The only two patients who died from the MPOX disease in Goma were in fact newborns, who died from a possible congenital infection, explains Dr. Abdoul Karim Sangaré, the medical coordinator of the NGO Alima. " Newborns are born with the disease of the mothers, who were positive [for MPOX]. It happened that we did not even have any signs, any trace of MPOX in the mother. But the child was born with it, which was confirmed, testifies the doctor. So this shows that in the community, there are still people who harbor the virus, who do not have the disease, but who will continue to transmit it."

A few serious cases continue to emerge. They are then referred to the approved center supported by the NGO Alima, at the general hospital in Goma.