Synopsis
On February 8, South Sudan confirmed its inaugural mpox case, prompting authorities to enhance surveillance measures to prevent further infections. Acting Health Minister James Hoth Mai confirmed the case in a Ugandan national. The government is activating emergency measures and mobilizing experts to manage the outbreak effectively.Key Takeaways
- South Sudan confirmed its first mpox case.
- Authorities are enhancing surveillance efforts.
- The outbreak involves a Ugandan national.
- Emergency response systems have been activated.
- Mpox is primarily transmitted from animals to humans.
Juba, Feb 8 (NationPress) South Sudan has confirmed its first case of mpox, with officials committing to increased vigilance to curb further spread.
Acting Health Minister James Hoth Mai announced that the National Public Health Laboratory validated the case in a Ugandan national who had recently returned from his home country, where an active outbreak persists.
"This outbreak has been announced following confirmation by the National Public Health Laboratory on Thursday using real-time polymerase chain reaction testing of skin lesion samples collected from a 31-year-old male, a Ugandan national," Mai informed reporters in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
The health ministry has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to manage the response, utilizing existing incident management systems currently addressing cholera and other public health challenges.
The minister noted that the confirmed case is in isolation at Gudele Hospital, where a team of specialists from the government and partner organizations has been assembled to conduct thorough field investigations, trace contacts, and ensure diligent monitoring.
Humphrey Karamagi, the World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative in South Sudan, stated that the swift detection of the disease highlights the nation's readiness to tackle health threats.
Karamagi mentioned that the WHO has classified mpox as a health emergency of international concern and has been collaborating closely with the South Sudanese government to enhance health workers' capabilities in surveillance and response to the highly contagious viral disease, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"I can affirm that the nation has adhered to the required protocols. We have tested hundreds of suspected cases, and this is the first confirmed positive case. The government has been proactively monitoring for this and is well-equipped to respond," Karamagi said.
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease mainly transmitted from animals, such as wild rodents, to humans.
Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with skin lesions or infected bodily fluids, as well as indirect contact with contaminated materials like bedding. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, malaise, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and body rashes.
