First laboratory-confirmed case of infection with mpox virus clade IIb lineage A.2.2 in the Republic of the Congo, co-circulation of clade Ia, Ib and clade IIb.
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In 2022, mpox virus (MPXV) clade IIb emerged resulting in a global epidemic driven by human-to-human transmission mostly through sexual contact in the MSM population. To date, published data on the circulation of the MPXV clade IIb in the Central African region are absent. Here, we describe the first case of laboratory-confirmed mpox with MPXV clade IIb lineage A2.2 in Pointe-Noire, the second largest city of the Republic of the Congo (RoC). Whole genome phylogenetic analysis placed the MPXV in clade IIb, lineage A.2.2. currently emerging in West Africa, in particular Sierra Leone. The detection of clade IIb mpox, marks the third distinct MPXV clade and lineage co-circulating in the human population, together with clade Ia and clade Ib. This underscores the need for improved surveillance and diagnostic strategies to identify the respective clade and lineage circulating in the human population. Strengthening of the regional capacity for case detection, contact tracing, public health measures, and affordable vaccines are urgently needed to reduce the global risk for both clades I and Clade II MPXV.
