Monkeypox Virus Detected in Burundi, Country with Largest Youth Population in Africa
The United Nations is sounding the alarm on the spread of the monkeypox virus, particularly in vulnerable communities in East and Southern Africa. At a daily press briefing, UN Secretary-General Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed concerns over the growing epidemic.
According to Dujarric, Burundi currently has the highest number of measles infections among children and adolescents under the age of 20 in the region, with the rapid increase in cases being linked to the simultaneous outbreak of monkeypox. The five countries where the monkeypox virus is most common – Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and the Republic of South Africa – are all located in Africa, with the new variant of the epidemic being detected in all of them except for the Republic of South Africa.
Monkeypox virus is typically transmitted from rodent animals such as mice and squirrels, or from infected individuals. Key modes of transmission include touching body rashes caused by the virus, using contaminated items like clothing and towels, and contact with body fluids. Symptoms of the virus can include high fever, headache, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, chills, shivering, and chickenpox-like blisters on the skin.
There is currently no specific treatment for monkeypox, with antiviral drugs being used to manage the illness. Most cases are mild and patients typically recover within a few weeks. The UN is working to address the spread of the virus and provide support to affected communities in Africa.
