Mpox Prevention Measures Implemented in Burundian Schools

Mpox Prevention Measures Implemented in Burundian Schools

As mpox cases rise in Burundi, schools are stepping up their prevention measures to protect students. According to UNICEF, children aged 5 to 19 represent 33 percent of all mpox cases in the country. With the new academic year beginning, both schools and parents are taking this situation seriously.

At the ‘Les petits trésors’ school in western Burundi, the director has implemented strict health protocols. Students are required to maintain distance during line-ups and wash their hands regularly to reduce the risk of infection. These steps are crucial as the country has witnessed a surge of over 40 percent in mpox cases over the past few weeks, with hundreds reported since July.

The rise in cases is not isolated to Burundi; the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is also experiencing an increase in mpox infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently noted that suspected cases in the DRC account for a significant portion of the nearly 30,000 cases recorded across Africa this year. In August, the WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency in parts of the continent.

While Africa faces the brunt of the outbreak, a few cases have also been confirmed outside the continent, including in Sweden and Pakistan. Health officials are urging vigilance as they work to contain the spread of the disease.

In response to this growing threat, schools in Burundi are prioritizing the health and safety of their students, aiming to create a safe learning environment amid the ongoing health crisis.

Source: Africa News