Vaccination Against Mpox
South Sudan has encountered its inaugural case of mpox, as confirmed last Friday—a grim milestone that has placed the nation on high alert. The discovery was made when a patient succumbed to the clutches of this rare virus, following a gauntlet of diagnostic tests.
James Hoth Mai, serving as Acting Health Minister, illuminated the details during a press briefing held in the pulsating heart of Juba. On January 22, a patient first displayed harrowing symptoms, including fever, a conspicuous rash, and persistent itching.
“The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the general populace about the mpox outbreak that has emerged within our borders,” Mai conveyed with a sobriety befitting the circumstances. He detailed that on February 6, staff at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) identified the infected individual as a 31-year-old Ugandan national residing in Kupuri Camp, located in Luri Payam, Juba.
This Ugandan man’s recent travels to his home country, a land grappling with its own mpox troubles since 2024, may have unwittingly brought the affliction to South Sudan. Isn’t it a poignant reminder of how interconnected our lives truly are, that a journey across the border might set off a cascade of events beyond one’s imagining?
Mpox, known to the scientific community as a viral zoonosis, typically transmits from animals—like those furtive wild rodents we often overlook—to humans. Human-to-human transmission? That, too, is insidiously possible, occurring through tangible encounters with skin lesions, infected bodily fluids, or even through seemingly innocuous interactions with contaminated materials, such as bed linens.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Health Ministry swiftly activated its Public Health Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC). This mechanism ensures the crisis receives the coordinated and intelligent response it demands. “The confirmed case is currently in isolation and receiving treatment at Gudele Hospital,” Mai added with conviction.
Efforts are underway as a cadre of experts, drawn from national and subnational levels alongside WHO and various partners, have been mobilized to launch a thorough field investigation. Their mission? To compile a meticulous list of potential contacts and guarantee rigorous follow-ups. This is a battle against time, and every moment counts.
In a reassuring, yet cautionary tone, Mai urged healthcare professionals to maintain an elevated degree of vigilance. “Private clinics and healthcare providers are advised to adhere to standard operating protocols and report any suspected mpox cases to the nearest county health authorities for a deeper probe and necessary intervention,” he stated.
In these times of uncertainty, one must ask: Could this be a turning point for South Sudan in its public health narrative? As the nation stands at this critical juncture, the unfolding story of our humanity and resilience against microscopic adversaries continues to be written.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
