Mpox Seroprevalence in General Population Groups in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Comparative Description Before and During the Clade Ib Outbreak

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to assess mpox virus (MPXV) seroprevalence in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where a large mpox outbreak started at the end of 2023. A community-based surveys was conducted in urban (April–May 2023) and rural (July–August 2024) areas and a multiplex serological assay to detect anti-IgG against MPXV has been used. MPXV seroprevalence was 3.3% in the urban survey (n = 1174) and 8.3% in the rural survey (n = 981), with differences according to health zone (P = .004) after the mpox outbreak. This study shows temporal and geographic variation in MPXV seroprevalence and suggest potential spread of mpox in the general population in South Kivu.