Egide Irambona, a 40-year-old resident of Burundi, is currently undergoing treatment for mpox at the King Khaled University Hospital, sharing a room with two other patients. As the evening sun illuminates the hospital, Irambona’s face and body are marked by painful blisters indicative of the viral infection. He describes experiencing severe throat pain followed by discomfort in his legs, leading to his diagnosis.
Burundi has reported over 170 confirmed cases of mpox since last month, amidst fears of a wider outbreak stemming from its proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of recent mpox outbreaks that have resulted in significant fatalities and thousands of suspected cases. While there have been no recorded deaths in Burundi from the current outbreak, it has been classified as a global health emergency due to its potential for rapid spread.
Irambona’s situation highlights the close contact transmission of the virus; he unknowingly passed the infection to his wife, who is also receiving care at the same hospital. The facility is one of three designated mpox treatment centers in Bujumbura, currently overwhelmed with patients as 59 of its 61 beds are occupied, including a significant portion under the age of 15—a demographic identified as particularly vulnerable by health experts.
Dr. Odette Nsavyimana, the hospital’s lead physician, reports a troubling rise in patients. Tents are being erected to accommodate the increasing influx, as the hospital struggles to manage space and resources effectively. The dedication of medical staff is evident, but they voice concerns about capacity limitations and the challenges posed by the number of young patients.
As Burundi grapples with limited healthcare resources, including only one laboratory equipped to test for mpox, there is urgent apprehension regarding the management of future cases. The public health infrastructure faces tremendous hurdles, including delays in diagnosis and resource shortages, exacerbated by a lack of access to basic necessities like clean water.
Public awareness regarding mpox remains alarmingly low, despite Bujumbura’s closeness to the border with DR Congo and its role as a hub for travel and trade. The city remains busy with daily activities, underscoring a significant disconnect between the realities of the outbreak and public understanding. Many residents are either unaware of the disease or underestimate its seriousness, complicating health officials’ efforts to promote preventive measures.
Health professionals strive to continue providing effective treatment to infected individuals while working diligently to trace contacts in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. The ongoing situation presents a formidable challenge for health authorities in Burundi as they face both an emerging health crisis and the socioeconomic barriers impacting community health responses.
