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Mpox Sweeps Through Camps for Displaced People in DRC
In Democratic Republic of Congo, more than 7 million people live in shelters after widespread conflict pushed them from their homes. The overcrowded camps lack basic sanitation, making them breeding grounds for mpox, a virus transmitted by skin-to-skin and other close contact. More than 20,000 people in the country are believed to have the virus. These images were taken on Aug. 22, 2024, at Munigi, a camp near Goma, DRC, made up of approximately 14,000 households.
Espérance Kundwa lives with her family at a camp for displaced people in Munigi, on the outskirts of Goma, DRC. Overcrowded and unsanitary conditions have made the camp a breeding ground for mpox, also known as monkeypox. "Even when my husband comes home and wants to take our baby, I ask him to wash his hands first," she says.
Mpox is not a new virus. It has spread for years via sexual activity, but now, children are contracting it when they come in close contact with infected people. So far, more than 300 people in Munigi have been identified as having a suspected mpox infection, 70% of whom are children younger than 10, says Tam Berger of Medair, an aid group that provides medical assistance in countries in crisis. Cases have been reported throughout Africa, and now in Europe and Asia.
Mpox is not a new virus. It has spread for years via sexual activity, but now, children are contracting it when they come in close contact with infected people. So far, more than 300 people in Munigi have been identified as having a suspected mpox infection, 70% of whom are children younger than 10, says Tam Berger of Medair, an aid group that provides medical assistance in countries in crisis. Cases have been reported throughout Africa, and now in Europe and Asia.
The camp for displaced people in Munigi, Democratic Republic of Congo, is home to approximately 14,000 households. Munigi is just one of many camps in the country, where constant fighting between government forces and armed groups has gone on for decades. The conflict has displaced more than 7 million within DRC — and the severe humanitarian crisis has left them vulnerable to disease.
Jurrienne Wimana took her 8-month-old to a medical clinic because he had a fever. She doesn't think her baby could have caught the virus because she knows she’s protected him well since the outbreak started. "I am the only one who touches my baby," she says.
Esther Mwema plays with her two children, Dina Asifiwe, left, and Madina Tumusifu, outside their tent at a camp for displaced people in Munigi. Mwema says Madina, 4, was once treated for mpox, but now she closely guards her children to ensure their health.
The first human case of mpox was detected in 1970, in what is now DRC. It is considered less transmissible than its cousin smallpox, which spreads easily through the air, but in 2023, the Lancet medical journal published evidence that new variants of mpox are more contagious than once thought.
The first human case of mpox was detected in 1970, in what is now DRC. It is considered less transmissible than its cousin smallpox, which spreads easily through the air, but in 2023, the Lancet medical journal published evidence that new variants of mpox are more contagious than once thought.
Yves Kahindo, 6, and Patrick Shamamba, 5, wash their hands after playing at the Munigi camp for displaced people. Health officials have encouraged residents to wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of mpox. While local doctors say at least five people, including four children, have contracted the virus, more than 300 have been infected, according to Medair, an aid group that provides medical assistance in countries in crisis.
Eugénie Byamungu, right, poses with her daughters, Madeleine Ushindi and Melanie Bintu, and her grandchildren in the Munigi camp.
DRC has registered mpox cases since 1970, when the first human case was reported in the area. Infections increased in 2023, and the spread has continued this year. The virus spreads through skin-to-skin and other close contact, rather than just via sexual transmission, which was the primary cause of spread in previous years. Crowded, unsanitary conditions in camps for internally displaced people make those areas hot spots for infections.
DRC has registered mpox cases since 1970, when the first human case was reported in the area. Infections increased in 2023, and the spread has continued this year. The virus spreads through skin-to-skin and other close contact, rather than just via sexual transmission, which was the primary cause of spread in previous years. Crowded, unsanitary conditions in camps for internally displaced people make those areas hot spots for infections.
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