Health authorities in the northeastern Congolese city of Bunia have confirmed a laboratory‑verified case of mpox, raising concerns about a possible resurgence of the disease amid the country’s worst Ebola outbreak ever recorded.

Confirmed case and suspected second infection

The patient, a 21‑year‑old woman, was admitted to the local hospital on Thursday with widespread skin lesions consistent with mpox. Hospital director Davin Ambitapio Musungufu said she tested positive on Friday. A second woman, aged 32, is being treated as a suspected case while her test results are pending. Both women have been isolated and are receiving care from a dedicated medical team.

Broader context of mpox in the DRC

Congo declared an end to mpox as a national public‑health emergency in April after a three‑year outbreak that produced more than 34,000 confirmed cases nationwide. Officials warned at the time that the virus had not been eradicated and could reappear, a warning now borne out by the new case in Bunia.

Ebola crisis strains health system

The Ituri province, where Bunia is located, has been the epicenter of an Ebola epidemic declared on May 15. Government data released Thursday show the outbreak has infected 7,890 people and claimed 3,799 lives, making it the deadliest Ebola episode in the nation’s history. Health officials, including Dr. Adelard Lofungola, deputy incident manager for Congo’s mpox response, said the Ebola crisis is complicating efforts to monitor and control other infections, including mpox.

Contact tracing and ongoing investigations

Authorities have launched contact‑tracing efforts to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the confirmed patient. Musungufu indicated that five suspected mpox cases in Bunia are currently under investigation, and health officials have noted an increase in mpox reports across several parts of the country over the past month.

International attention and local resilience

The dual health threats underscore the challenges faced by Congo’s already stretched medical infrastructure. International partners continue to support the country’s response, but local health workers remain on the front lines, striving to contain both diseases and protect vulnerable communities.

As the situation develops, officials will provide updates on the status of the suspected case, the results of contact‑tracing efforts, and any additional measures taken to safeguard public health in Bunia and the wider Ituri region.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.