South Sudan becomes 22nd African country to be affected by mpox
The South Sudan Ministry of Health declared a mpox outbreak in Juba, Central Equatoria State on Friday, becoming the 22nd country to be affected by the viral disease in the African region.
The case was confirmed Thursday in a Ugandan national and a resident of Kupuri Camp in Juba. The patient is under isolation and is being managed at Gudele Hospital.
Acting Health Minister, Honorable James Hoth Mai noted a team of experts from national and subnational levels, the World Health Organization, and other partners have been mobilized to conduct a detailed field investigation, list all contacts, and ensure close follow-up.
The Public Health Emergency Operations Center has been activated and 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.
Healthcare providers are receiving training on recognizing and responding to Mpox symptoms and case management.
In addition, the public is urged 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.
Monkeypox with Rodney Rohde, PhD
Health workers are urged 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.
So far in 2025, a total of 1946 total cases, including 1129 confirmed cases and seven deaths have been reported from 10 African Union Member States (AUMS).
In 2024, a total of 77,767 mpox cases, including 16,764 confirmed cases and 1288 deaths were reported from 20 AUMS.