Publications by authors named "Hugo Kavunga"
Article Synopsis
- The emergence of Clade Ib monkeypox virus (MPXV), known for sustained human-to-human transmission, has raised public health concerns as it spreads beyond endemic regions, first identified in South Kivu province.
- Recent cases of Clade Ib in North Kivu province highlight the need for public health efforts to address non-sexual transmission, especially involving children under 15, and to adapt community messaging accordingly.
Article Synopsis
- The text discusses the historical context of monkeypox outbreaks originating from different clades in Africa, particularly focusing on a recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo caused by clade I MPXV.
- Surveillance data collected from September 2023 to January 2024 identified 241 suspected cases, with genomic analysis revealing a new lineage distinct from prior strains in the area.
- The median age of confirmed cases was 22 years, with a significant portion being female and sex workers, hinting at potential sexual transmission; ongoing mutations suggest recent human-to-human spread.
Background: Very little is known about influenza viruses circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We aim to characterize genetically and antigenically Influenza A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses circulating in the country.
Methods: From August to December 2014, specimens were collected from patients with influenza like-illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) in various surveillance sites.