Burundi: Health facilities under pressure over mpox surge - Video
Burundi is struggling with a significant surge in mpox cases, with the health ministry confirming 171 cases as of this week.
The virus has spread in Burundi from border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to almost all parts of the country. Despite the surge, there have been no reported deaths in Burundi, thanks to early detection and treatment efforts.
However, the situation remains dire, with healthcare facilities struggling to keep up with the influx of patients.
The isolation centre at King Khaled Hospital in Bujumbura is overwhelmed with patients. Dr. Odette Nsavyimana, a dermatologist who is treating those infected, described the severity of the situation, noting that many patients arrive in critical condition with high fevers.
"Sometimes patients come to us in a severe, critical condition with a fever of 39 degrees, intense headaches and generalised skin eruptions, including vesiculo-pustular lesions. In such cases, an injectable treatment is given, as well as painkillers to soothe the patient, because these are very painful and itchy lesions that require emergency treatment," she said.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak a global health emergency. The organisation is seeking $135 million to combat the outbreak over the next six months.
The new strain, known as Clade 1b, is more transmissible and deadly, contributing to the rapid increase in cases not only in Burundi but also in neighbouring countries like Kenya and Uganda.
