The Ministry of Health in Warrap State has reported a suspected case of monkeypox (Mpox), with the patient currently admitted and isolated at Kuajok Hospital in the state headquarters.
According to the State Director for Primary Health Care, Dek
Akot Dek, the patient is under treatment and observation while health
authorities await laboratory confirmation.
“The signs and symptoms showed that it is a suspected
monkeypox case. The patient has been isolated in the hospital and is under
treatment. We have not yet confirmed the disease, but we are in the process of
taking samples for laboratory testing,” Dek said.
“Mpox already exists in South Sudan, particularly in Central
Equatoria. People in Warrap frequently travel to Juba and other states, so the
disease is not far from here.”
Dek explained that Mpox symptoms usually appear between five
and 21 days after exposure and often begin with flu-like signs such as fever,
chills, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. He
noted that some patients may show only a few symptoms while others may
experience several.
The health authorities have urged the public to remain
vigilant and report any suspected symptoms early to health facilities to
support quick identification, treatment, and containment of the disease.
Residents have also been advised to observe preventive
measures to reduce the risk of infection as investigations continue.