South #Sudan declares #mpox #outbreak

Juba, 7 February 2025—Today the Ministry of Health has declared a mpox outbreak in Juba, Central Equatoria State. This declaration follows a confirmation mpox Case by the National Public Health Laboratory on 6 February 2025.

“The first case was reported on 6 February 2025 at Gudele Hospital from a Ugandan national and a resident of Kupuri Camp in Juba. The confirmed case is under isolation and is being managed at Gudele Hospital”, said the Acting Health Minister, Honorable James Hoth Mai, in a press conference in Juba.

A team of experts from national and subnational levels, WHO, and other partners have been mobilized to conduct a detailed field investigation, list all contacts, and ensure close follow-up, Hon. Mai added.

He also added that the Ministry of Health and WHO have taken steps to manage the reported case properly, ensuring that every contact on the ground is followed. He assured the citizens not to panic but to stay calm and follow safety measures that the government is committed to stopping the spread of mpox in South Sudan.

Addressing the press conference, Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Country Representative in South Sudan, commended the Ministry of Health for declaring the outbreak.

The announcement enables the public to take prevention measures, helps health partners take the necessary steps to contain the outbreak, and unlocks the required resources for fighting the outbreak.

The confirmation of mpox in South Sudan showcases the national capabilities that WHO is proud to have significantly supported, said Dr Karamagi.

With this outbreak, South Sudan becomes the 22nd country to be affected in the African region. After this confirmation, my team will support the referral of the positive sample to WHO-collaborating laboratories for sequencing and genetic characterization of the Mpox virus detected in the country.

Dr Karamagi further reiterated WHO’s commitment to assisting the South Sudanese government and partners in enhancing disease surveillance, improving response coordination, and ensuring the availability of supplies. This includes supporting case management, laboratory testing, sample collection, transportation, and follow-up.

“Thanks to funding from our donors, WHO deployed experts and provided technical and logistical support,” said Dr Karamagi.

With the support of WHO, the Ministry has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Center and prepared to coordinate responses to Mpox outbreaks, following the WHO guidelines.

An Incident Manager and key health officials have been assigned to monitor five main entry points into South Sudan for suspected Mpox cases from high-risk neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and Kenya.

All healthcare providers, including those in private practice, are receiving training on recognizing and responding to Mpox symptoms. We are developing a laboratory network and have tested samples from 141 suspected cases.

New testing methods have been implemented, guaranteeing accurate results via external quality checks.

Recent tests showed a 100% success rate, and our laboratory excelled in proficiency assessments. Moreover, 40 clinicians have received training in Mpox case management to ensure effective treatment and bolster our readiness for any possible Mpox outbreaks in South Sudan.

The Hon. Minister also urged the communities to practice good and safe behaviors, such as avoiding close contact with an infected person, using personal protective equipment when caring for patients, not sharing bedding, clothing, towels, or utensils with sick people, practicing hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, isolate infected patients, avoid contact with wild animals and cook all food containing fresh animal meat before eating.

He urged health workers to remain vigilant with high index suspicious for mpox, adhere to infection prevention and control measures, follow standard operating procedures, and report suspected cases for further investigation.

The press conference was attended by the media, high-level government officials, and partners, among others.

Source: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, https://www.afro.who.int/countries/south-sudan/news/south-sudan-declares-mpox-outbreak

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