Dozens of possible cases of the viral disease mpox have emerged among refugees and displaced people in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is deeply concerned because it is hard to reach those affected.

In addition, the cramped conditions facing many refugees means it is difficult to keep physical distance from one another in order to prevent the virus from spreading.

UNHCR health officer Allen Maina spoke of some 40 suspected cases.

There are hundreds of thousands of refugees and displaced people in the region.

Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is related to smallpox.

It causes skin lesions, fever and muscular aches.

There are two vaccines, but they are in short supply in Africa.

Experts believe the new variant, which has been spreading rapidly in parts of central Africa, is likely more contagious than previous strains and can cause a more severe infection.

However, mpox is generally not easily transmitted, with direct contact needed for spread.

The World Health Organisation has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern and has not ruled out the possibility of it spreading beyond African countries.

(dpa/NAN)