Burundi is grappling with the rapid spread of a new and highly contagious strain of Mpox, known as clade 1b, which emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last year. This variant has triggered widespread concern across Africa and beyond, with the World Health Organization (WHO) recently declaring it a public health emergency of international concern.
In Burundi's capital, Bujumbura, the outbreak has overwhelmed healthcare facilities. Among those affected is 40-year-old Egide Irambona, who described the severe pain he endured due to the virus. "I had swollen lymph nodes in my throat. It was so painful I couldn't sleep. Then the pain subsided there and it moved to my legs," Irambona said, sharing his ordeal from King Khaled University Hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for nine days.
Irambona's wife also contracted the virus, and both are being treated at the same facility, though in different parts of the hospital. The outbreak has strained the hospital's capacity, with 59 out of 61 available beds occupied, including a significant number of children, who are particularly vulnerable to this new strain.
Dr Odette Nsavyimana, a physician at the hospital, expressed grave concerns about the growing number of patients. "We are now setting up tents outside," she said, noting that the situation has become increasingly dire as more people, including young children, require care.
The situation is further complicated by limited resources. Burundi lacks sufficient testing kits and has only one laboratory capable of processing blood samples for Mpox. This has led to delays in diagnosing and containing the virus, with many cases likely going undetected. "This is a real challenge. The fact that diagnosis is only done in one place delays detecting new cases," said Dr. Liliane Nkengurutse, the national director of the Centre for Public Health Emergency Operations.
Public awareness of the virus remains low in Burundi, exacerbating the crisis. Many residents are unaware of the severity of the outbreak, and life continues as usual in many parts of the country. Dr. Nkengurutse highlighted the need for greater public education, noting that "even where there have been cases, people still just mingle."
The spread of clade 1b mpox has also extended beyond Africa, with the first European case detected in Sweden. The WHO has underscored the urgent need for international cooperation and support to manage the outbreak, particularly in resource-limited settings like Burundi.
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