**Fatshimetrie – News from September 19, 2024**
As the school year begins in full swing in Burundi, a worrying issue is emerging: the surge in Mpox cases among children aged 5 to 19. This disease, caused by smallpox, seems to be affecting more and more young people in the country, with an alarming rate of 33% among the cases recorded.
Since the first confirmed case on July 25, Burundian authorities have recorded a total of 564 cases of smallpox, almost two-thirds of which are children and adolescents under the age of 19. In addition, more than 1,576 suspected cases have been reported, testifying to the scale of the health crisis affecting the country.
The districts of Bujumbura are at the heart of this epidemic, with 1,774 alerts in 34 of Burundi’s 49 health districts. Faced with this critical situation, measures have been taken to isolate Mpox patients and their suspected cases, in order to limit the spread of the disease.
Dr. Fidel Cishahayo, a doctor involved in the fight against smallpox, explains the system put in place: “The first step was to create this dedicated space, because we had to treat both confirmed and suspected cases. A precise organization was established to accommodate patients, with specific areas for confirmed cases and potential cases. A specialized medical team was mobilized to take care of these patients, with health professionals detached from their usual services to focus on smallpox. Cured patients are asked to remain in isolation for at least three weeks to avoid any relapse.”
Faced with the resurgence of cases and the seriousness of the situation, UNICEF has launched an urgent appeal for $58.8 million to address the health crisis affecting six African countries, including Burundi. This financial mobilization aims to support local authorities in caring for patients, raising awareness about prevention and providing the necessary means to stem the epidemic.
This situation highlights the crucial importance of vaccination and vigilance against infectious diseases, recalling that public health remains a major issue for the well-being of the population. In these times of health crisis, solidarity and coordination between national and international actors appear to be essential levers to overcome the challenges of global health.
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