Burundi: 171 People Infected with Monkeypox

The Inspirer.

The Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS in Burundi announced that as of August 22, 2024, a total of 171 people in the country have been infected with the monkeypox virus.

Polycarpe Ndayikeza, the spokesperson for the Ministry, told the French news agency AFP, “Overall, 171 people have been infected, with 137 still currently ill. So far, monkeypox has not claimed any lives in Burundi.”

The outbreak first appeared in Burundi in July 2024, initially affecting three people. On August 18, the Ministry reported that the number of infections had risen to 153.

An official from the Ministry explained that the strain of the virus in Burundi is ‘Clade 1b,’ which is prevalent in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in provinces like South Kivu, which shares a border with Burundi.

In the East African Community, the outbreak is most widespread in the DRC, where over 18,000 cases have been recorded, with more than 540 deaths as of August 19, according to the DRC’s Minister of Health, Dr. Roger Kamba.

In Rwanda, four cases of the virus were reported between July and August 2024, with two patients having recovered. The Rwandan Ministry of Health announced on August 16 that no deaths have been recorded.

In Uganda, the Ministry of Health confirmed three cases, including one detected at Entebbe International Airport on August 22, 2024.

In Kenya, health authorities were alarmed on August 13 by 13 suspected cases, but after further testing, only one case was confirmed.

Symptoms of the disease include high fever, widespread rash, headaches, back pain, and muscle aches. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person’s symptoms, sexual intercourse, and kissing.

Preventive measures include washing hands with clean water and soap or using hand sanitizer, avoiding contact with individuals showing symptoms, and notifying health authorities if someone is suspected of having the disease.

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