Fatshimetrie, August 31, 2024 – A worrying situation is emerging at the central prison of Kisangani, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where twenty-two suspected cases of monkeypox, also known as Mpox, were recently diagnosed. This alarming discovery was made by a team from the Provincial Health Division, which indicates that the situation requires urgent intervention.
According to Justin Fundi, in charge of infection prevention and control at the Provincial Health Division of Tshopo, the alert was launched following the detection of sixteen suspected cases, which have since increased to twenty-two. This rapid increase in the number of patients has prompted health authorities to set up an isolation, prevention and care system within the central prison itself.
Faced with this critical situation, the medical team plans to treat the patients on site, but to do so, it will need financial and logistical support from donors and partners. It is essential to have the necessary means and equipment to effectively treat patients and ensure their adequate care.
It is important to emphasize that no deaths related to monkeypox have yet been recorded in the central prison of Kisangani. However, given the prison overcrowding and precarious living conditions, it is imperative to adopt preventive measures and strengthen surveillance to avoid a wider spread of the disease.
Justin Fundi urgently appeals to the provincial authorities to intensify communication, surveillance and infection control actions. He emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among the population and mobilizing community relays to report any suspected cases and facilitate their management in the nearest treatment centers.
To date, the DPS Tshopo has reported more than 800 cases, with nearly forty deaths attributed to the Mpox epidemic across the different health zones of the province. In the face of this alarming situation, effective coordination between health authorities, partners and the community is essential to contain the epidemic and protect the population of Kisangani.
In conclusion, the situation at Kisangani Central Prison is particularly worrying, and urgent action is needed to prevent an escalation of the monkeypox epidemic. The authorities must act quickly and effectively to contain the spread of the disease and ensure adequate care for those affected.