By In a crowded treatment room at King Khaled University Hospital in Bujumbura, Egide Irambona, 40, sits bare-chested on his hospital bed, his face, chest, and arms covered in painful blisters. Irambona is one of more than 170 confirmed mpox cases in Burundi since last month, as the country grapples with a growing outbreak that has strained its limited healthcare resources.
“I had swollen lymph nodes in my throat. It was so painful I couldn’t sleep,” Irambona told the Associated Press, his voice weak. “Then the pain subsided there and it moved to my legs.” Irambona believes he contracted the virus from a friend who had similar symptoms, unaware at the time that it was mpox.
The outbreak in Burundi involves a new strain called Clade 1b, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency due to fears of rapid spread to previously unaffected areas. Burundi borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where at least 450 mpox-related deaths and 14,000 suspected cases have been reported this year.
At King Khaled University Hospital, one of three mpox treatment centers in Bujumbura, the situation is dire. Dr. Odette Nsavyimana, the hospital’s lead physician, reports that 59 of the 61 available beds are occupied by infected patients. “We are now setting up tents outside,” she said, her voice muffled by a protective mask. “It is tough, especially when the babies come. They cannot stay alone, so I have to keep their mothers here as well.”
A third of the patients at the hospital are under 15 years old, aligning with WHO data indicating children as the most affected age group in Burundi. The hospital has implemented strict isolation measures, with red tape marking off restricted areas and visitors required to wear protective equipment.
Irambona’s wife, who he believes contracted the virus from him, is also being treated at the facility. “Thankfully our seven children have not shown any signs of having it,” he added, his voice trailing off.
Burundi’s healthcare system faces significant challenges in managing the outbreak. Dr. Liliane Nkengurutse, national director for the Centre for Public Health Emergency Operations, outlined the dire situation: “This is a real challenge. The fact that diagnosis is only done in one place delays detecting new cases. Health centers are calling the laboratory saying they have suspected cases, but it takes time for teams from the lab to deploy to where the suspected cases are to take samples.”
The country has only one laboratory capable of testing blood samples for the virus, insufficient testing kits, and no vaccines. Dr. Nkengurutse estimates that about $14 million is needed to enhance the country’s response to the outbreak.
Compounding these challenges is the limited access to basic resources like water in Bujumbura. People can be seen queuing at public taps, highlighting the difficulties in maintaining hygienic conditions crucial for controlling the spread of the virus.
Public awareness about mpox remains alarmingly low in Bujumbura, a hub for cross-border travel and trade with the DRC. The city buzzes with activity, with people continuing their daily routines seemingly unaware of the potential risks. Handshakes, hugs, and close contact remain the norm, and public transportation is often crowded.
“Many people do not understand the gravity of this issue. Even where there have been cases, people still just mingle,” Dr. Nkengurutse said, expressing concern about the potential for further spread.
Interviews with Bujumbura residents revealed a widespread lack of knowledge about mpox. “I have heard about this disease, but I have never seen someone who suffers from it. I have only seen it on social media,” one person said. Another added, “I know it affects babies and young people. I am scared of it, but that does not mean I will just stay at home. I have to work. My family has to eat.”
As health workers continue their efforts to treat patients, ensure recovery, and trace contacts to contain the virus’s spread, stories like Irambona’s underscore the urgent need for increased support and resources. The situation in Burundi serves as a stark reminder of the personal suffering caused by mpox and the challenges faced by healthcare systems in resource-limited settings during disease outbreaks.
With no immediate prospects for vaccines and limited testing capabilities, Burundi’s health officials are calling for international support to manage the outbreak effectively and prevent further spread within the country and to neighboring regions. stark reminder of the personal suffering caused by mpox and the challenges faced by healthcare systems in resource-limited settings during disease outbreaks.
A bbc.com story
