Epidemiological Profile of Confirmed Mpox Cases in Kole Health Zone, Sankuru Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, January–October 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Mpox remains a re-emerging public health concern in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This study described the epidemiological profile of Mpox cases recorded in Kole Health Zone between January and October 2025.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 427 patient records from three Mpox treatment centres (Ingengwa, Kole Yango, and Nkombeswe) in Kole Health Zone. Data were collected through medical record review using KoboCollect and analysed with SPSS version 25.

Results: The median age was 22 years (IQR: 20 years), and 66.0% of patients were male. Children aged 5–9 years represented the largest age group (19.0%). Most patients were single (54.8%) and had secondary education (57.4%); 21.1% were farmers and 11.5% livestock farmers. Consultation occurred more than six days after symptom onset in 58.5% of patients. Reported exposures included direct human-to-human contact (52%), contact with wildlife (35%), and hunting or butchering (12%). Overall, 73.3% of patients were recorded as unvaccinated. Complications were documented in 43.6% of patients. Among confirmed cases followed in the treatment centres, the recorded mortality proportion was 12.2%. Among recovered patients, 69.1% had no follow-up documented.

Conclusion: Mpox cases recorded in Kole Health Zone predominantly involved males, with children aged 5–9 years forming the largest age group. Delayed consultation, low recorded vaccination status, documented complications, and gaps in post-recovery follow-up highlight the need to strengthen surveillance, timely access to care, vaccination documentation, and continuity of care within an integrated One Health approach.