As mpox cases surge in Burundi, the country grapples with severe challenges in managing the outbreak. Egide Irambona, a 40-year-old patient receiving treatment at King Khaled University Hospital in Bujumbura, describes the harrowing experience of his illness. “I had swollen lymph nodes in my throat. It was so painful I couldn’t sleep. Then the pain moved to my legs,” he tells the BBC, showing the severity of symptoms experienced by many.
Since the outbreak began last month, Burundi has recorded over 170 confirmed cases of mpox. This outbreak is particularly concerning because it involves a new strain, Clade 1b, and has been declared a global health emergency due to fears of its rapid spread to other regions. The neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of recent outbreaks, has seen at least 450 deaths and 14,000 suspected cases this year.
At King Khaled University Hospital, the only facility in Bujumbura dedicated to treating mpox, there are 59 patients occupying 61 beds. Dr. Odette Nsavyimana, who manages the hospital, reports a significant increase in cases, necessitating the setup of additional tents for triage and isolation. The situation is particularly challenging with a third of the patients being children, who require extra care and attention.
Dr. Liliane Nkengurutse, national director for the Centre for Public Health Emergency Operations, expresses deep concern about the ongoing crisis. With only one laboratory in the country capable of testing blood samples for mpox, delays in diagnosis and a shortage of testing kits and vaccines exacerbate the situation. The need for approximately $14 million to enhance the response is critical, but the funding has not yet materialized.
Public awareness of mpox in Bujumbura is alarmingly low. Despite the proximity to the DR Congo border and the bustling activity in the city, many residents are unaware of the outbreak or its seriousness. Dr. Nkengurutse highlights that misinformation and a lack of understanding about mpox contribute to the public’s nonchalant attitude towards preventive measures.
“We need to educate people about the risks and how to protect themselves,” Dr. Nkengurutse says. However, convincing a population already facing economic hardships to take preventive actions is a significant challenge.
Health workers are doing their best to manage the outbreak under difficult conditions. Efforts include treating patients, isolating those infected, and tracing contacts to prevent further spread. Despite these efforts, the limited resources and public unawareness continue to complicate the containment of mpox in Burundi.
