Rwanda Strengthens Response as Monkeypox Cases Emerge

By Elias Hakizimana.

Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) has confirmed the detection of monkeypox in the country, following the identification of two cases in individuals who had recently traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the outbreak has been severe.

Dr. Edson Rwagasore, the Division Manager of Public Health Surveillance and Emergency Preparedness at RBC, announced that the patients, a 33-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man, had both traveled to the DRC. “All the patients we found had a history of traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Monkeypox disease has been reported in various countries,” Rwagasore stated.

Proactive Measures and Public Preparedness

Rwagasore urged Rwandans to adopt stringent preventive measures, including avoiding sexual contact with individuals showing symptoms and maintaining rigorous hand hygiene. He emphasized that monkeypox, though contagious, is preventable.

To address the outbreak, Rwanda has mobilized a team of doctors to various regions to conduct examinations and gather data related to the disease. This disease primarily spreads through direct contact with an infected person or their bodily fluids, as well as through sexual intercourse, kissing, or handshaking.

Symptoms of monkeypox include itchy blisters on the body, commonly affecting the genital area, face, hands, and feet. Other symptoms include fever, headache, and joint pain.

Rwanda’s Enhanced Epidemic Response

Rwanda has significantly bolstered its epidemic response mechanisms following the confirmation of the monkeypox cases. Dr. Rwagasore highlighted that the swift identification and isolation of the two cases demonstrate the effectiveness of the country’s response systems.

“Rwanda is well-prepared to handle a potential monkeypox outbreak, leveraging our experience and systems developed during previous health challenges like COVID-19,” Dr. Rwagasore asserted. He pointed out that Rwanda’s pandemic preparedness includes a robust tracking system across health facilities, points of entry, and communities, which was pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community health workers play a crucial role in this network, enabling early detection and rapid response to potential cases. “We have trained multisectoral rapid response teams at both national and district levels. These teams stand ready for immediate mobilization should an outbreak occur,” Dr. Rwagasore added.

Advanced Response Systems

Dr. Rwagasore also noted that the Ministry of Health and RBC’s experience with COVID-19 and Ebola preparedness has significantly enhanced their overall capacity to respond to outbreaks. The systems and protocols developed are adaptable to various health emergencies, and substantial investments in laboratory capabilities have boosted the country’s preparedness.

“We can now quickly test and confirm diseases using advanced methods, including genomic sequencing, which is crucial for effective outbreak management,” Dr. Rwagasore said. “While we remain vigilant, these measures give us confidence in our ability to manage potential health challenges, including monkeypox.”

Public Awareness and Vaccination Efforts

Dr. Rwagasore stressed the importance of public education in combating the monkeypox outbreak. “This is the right time to educate Rwandans about the monkeypox virus. Informing the public is an important step in our health strategy,” he noted. Awareness campaigns are being launched to help everyone understand what monkeypox is, how it spreads, the symptoms to watch out for, and simple prevention measures to take.

Moreover, Dr. Rwagasore mentioned the availability of vaccines approved for the prevention of the monkeypox virus, recommended for close contacts of monkeypox cases and high-risk groups. Some of these vaccines are already available, while others are still under clinical trials.

Staying Informed and Vigilant

Dr. Rwagasore assured the public that by working together and staying informed, communities could be protected from the monkeypox outbreak. “We continue to monitor the situation closely and adapt our strategies as needed to ensure the health and safety of all Rwandans,” he said.

As the region grapples with the outbreak, Rwanda’s proactive and prepared approach underscores the country’s commitment to safeguarding public health.

Understanding Mpox: Causes, Symptoms, and Spread

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus. It spreads through close contact with an infected person, contaminated surfaces, or objects. In areas where the virus is present among wild animals, it can also be transmitted from animals to humans.

1-Symptoms and Risks: Mpox can present a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Common symptoms include a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash, resembling blisters or sores, can appear on the face, hands, feet, groin, and genital regions. Severe cases, especially among pregnant individuals, children, and immunocompromised people, may require medical care and can lead to complications or death.

2-Transmission: The virus primarily spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s skin lesions, bodily fluids, or respiratory droplets. It can also persist on surfaces, making indirect transmission possible. Pregnant women can pass the virus to their fetus, and it can spread during close contact after birth. Although rare, transmission from animals to humans occurs through bites, scratches, or consumption of undercooked infected meat.

3-Preventive Measures: Preventive strategies include avoiding close contact with infected individuals, washing hands thoroughly, and disinfecting contaminated surfaces. Cooking meat thoroughly in areas where the virus is present among wild animals also reduces the risk. Health workers should adhere to strict infection control measures.

4-Treatment: While most mpox cases resolve with supportive care, antiviral treatments like tecovirimat, originally developed for smallpox, are available under exceptional circumstances. These treatments are particularly beneficial for those with severe symptoms or at risk of poor outcomes.

Understanding mpox’s transmission and symptoms is crucial for prevention and control. Public awareness and adherence to preventive measures can mitigate the spread, and antiviral treatments offer hope for severe cases.

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