Burundi has confirmed 171 cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, since the first infections were identified in late July 2024.
Of these cases, 137 are currently active, but no deaths have been reported in the country.
Health authorities have identified a new variant of mpox, which is believed to have spread from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This new strain, known as Clade 1b, is more deadly and easily transmissible, with a mortality rate of approximately 3.6%. Children are particularly vulnerable to this variant.
The outbreak is part of a larger regional surge, with rising cases reported in the DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
The virus has also spread beyond Africa, with cases detected in parts of Asia and Europe.
In response to the growing threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an international health emergency.
Burundi’s health ministry is taking proactive measures by setting up isolation wards in district hospitals to manage and treat mpox patients effectively.
