Fatshimetrie, September 24, 2024. The health situation in Bunia Central Prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo has prompted preventive measures to combat monkeypox, also known as Mpox. The director of the facility, Lieutenant Colonel Camille Zonzi, recently discussed the possibility of restricting visits by relatives of prisoners in order to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
This decision, although restrictive, is part of an essential precautionary approach to protect the health of prisoners and visitors. Indeed, hand washing and other hygiene measures have also been put in place in the prison to limit the risk of contamination.
Lieutenant Colonel Zonzi stressed that despite fears, no suspected cases of Mpox have yet been detected in Bunia Central Prison. Health professionals present in the facility remain vigilant and ensure regular monitoring to detect any possible manifestation of the disease.
Ituri province, where Bunia prison is located, has recently recorded 20 suspected cases of monkeypox, but no cases have been confirmed so far. These figures show the importance of the preventive measures put in place to limit the spread of the epidemic.
With the capacity of Bunia central prison being largely exceeded, with 2,435 inmates for a planned capacity of 500, it is crucial to maintain increased vigilance to prevent any potential health crisis.
In conclusion, the current situation in Bunia central prison underlines the importance of prevention and reactivity in the face of a health threat such as monkeypox. Authorities and health professionals must continue to work together to ensure the safety and health of all individuals concerned, while respecting the necessary preventive measures.