By Taban Gabriel
King News – Juba 19th 08-2024 The Ministry of Health has come out categorically to dismiss “Social media” claims that there is an outbreak of Monkeypox, known as Mpox, in the country.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Minister of Health Yolanda Awel Deng said her Ministry registered 25 suspected cases of Mpox, but none of them turned out positive.
“Most of the cases are from Western Equatoria, out of which eight have already been tested and they came out negative while 17 are still pending.”
According to the statistics shared by the Ministry and seen by King News, five of the tests conducted are from Western Equatoria, two from Central Equatoria, and one case from Renk County in Upper Nile, respectively.
Despite “The no confirmation” report, Minister Awel cautioned the public to be vigilant and avoid contacting any suspect of the virus.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern as a result of increasing cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and reported cases in other countries neighboring Congo,” said Yolanda Awel
The document asserted that WHO recorded an accumulated number of 99,176 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 208 deaths from 116 countries across the globe.
According to the statement, the high prevalence of the virus was recorded among the age group 45 and below. However, people with underlying situations are said to be more prone to the infection.
The Minister said her Ministry has agreed to collaborate with partners to combat the spread of the virus in the country.
“We have eight pillars fully activated to a high mode, and more emphasis on preparedness and response plans will be placed along the 15 entry points in the country and the States bordering DRC,” Awel said.
Awel discourages the public from rushing to conclusions before any laboratory test is conducted on a suspected case of Mpox.
“The symptoms of Mpox are like those of chickenpox, so don’t be confused when rushing to conclusions whenever you see a person with related signs.”
The Director for Preventive Health and Emergency Response in the Ministry, Dr. Kediende Chong, said the facility previously used for COVID-19 isolations will be used for quarantining suspected cases of Mpox.
Director for Preventive Health and Emergency Respond, Dr. Kediende Chong, during the press conference in Juba
Symptoms of Monkey Pox, according to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), include rash, Fever, Chills Swollen, lymph nodes, Exhaustion, Muscle aches, and backache Headache.