Pakistan and Oman reported recent imported clade 1 mpox cases, both linked to UAE travel.
A man from the outbreak area recently died following hemorrhagic fever symptoms, and samples have been sent to Kinshasa for testing.
After problems with earlier samples, a fuller picture of the outbreak is emerging following another round of testing.
A group of 78 more samples, a variety of types, are on their way to the INRB lab in Kinshasa.
Of 12 samples, 10 were malaria-positive, but officials continue to investigate other contributing factors.
31 people have died and 406 people have been sickened by the illness, which causes fever, headache, cough, runny nose, and body aches.
As DRC officials await test results, WHO experts are also bringing medicine and test equipment to help local responders.
Children younger than 5 years are the most affected group and account for the largest portion of deaths.
The main symptoms are fever, headache, runny nose, breathing problems, and anemia.
The rise in community transmission is likely due to decreased transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading more people to be vulnerable to B19.
