Juba, 7 February 2025—Immediately the Ministry of Well being has declared a mpox outbreak in Juba, Central Equatoria State. This declaration follows a affirmation mpox Case by the Nationwide Public Well being Laboratory on 6 February 2025.

“The primary case was reported on 6 February 2025 at Gudele Hospital from a Ugandan nationwide and a resident of Kupuri Camp in Juba. The confirmed case is beneath isolation and is being managed at Gudele Hospital”, mentioned the Appearing Well being Minister, Honorable James Hoth Mai, in a press convention in Juba. 
A staff of specialists from nationwide and subnational ranges, WHO, and different companions have been mobilized to conduct an in depth subject investigation, checklist all contacts, and guarantee shut follow-up, Hon. Mai added.

He additionally added that the Ministry of Well being and WHO have taken steps to handle the reported case correctly, making certain that each contact on the bottom is adopted. He assured the residents to not panic however to remain calm and observe security measures that the federal government is dedicated to stopping the unfold of mpox in South Sudan.

Addressing the press convention, Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Nation Consultant in South Sudan, recommended the Ministry of Well being for declaring the outbreak. The announcement permits the general public to take prevention measures, helps well being companions take the mandatory steps to comprise the outbreak, and unlocks the required assets for preventing the outbreak. The affirmation of mpox in South Sudan showcases the nationwide capabilities that WHO is proud to have considerably supported, mentioned Dr Karamagi.

With this outbreak, South Sudan turns into the twenty second nation to be affected within the African area. After this affirmation, my staff will assist the referral of the constructive pattern to WHO-collaborating laboratories for sequencing and genetic characterization of the Mpox virus detected within the nation.

Dr Karamagi additional reiterated WHO’s dedication to helping the South Sudanese authorities and companions in enhancing illness surveillance, enhancing response coordination, and making certain the provision of provides. This contains supporting case administration, laboratory testing, pattern assortment, transportation, and follow-up.
“Because of funding from our donors, WHO deployed specialists and offered technical and logistical assist,” mentioned Dr Karamagi.

With the assist of WHO, the Ministry has activated the Public Well being Emergency Operations Heart and ready to coordinate responses to Mpox outbreaks, following the WHO pointers. An Incident Supervisor and key well being officers have been assigned to observe 5 important entry factors into South Sudan for suspected Mpox instances from high-risk neighboring nations just like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and Kenya. All healthcare suppliers, together with these in personal observe, are receiving coaching on recognizing and responding to Mpox signs. We’re growing a laboratory community and have examined samples from 141 suspected instances. New testing strategies have been applied, guaranteeing correct outcomes through exterior high quality checks. Latest exams confirmed a 100% success fee, and our laboratory excelled in proficiency assessments. Furthermore, 40 clinicians have obtained coaching in Mpox case administration to make sure efficient remedy and bolster our readiness for any attainable Mpox outbreaks in South Sudan.

The Hon. Minister additionally urged the communities to observe good and protected behaviors, akin to avoiding shut contact with an contaminated individual, utilizing private protecting gear when caring for sufferers, not sharing bedding, clothes, towels, or utensils with sick individuals, working towards hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, isolate contaminated sufferers, keep away from contact with wild animals and prepare dinner all meals containing recent animal meat earlier than consuming.