South Sudan has confirmed its first case of mpox after a 31-year-old man tested positive for the virus.
Acting Health Minister James Hoth Mai said the patient developed fever, rash, and body itching on January 22 before seeking medical attention.
“The Ministry of Health would like to notify the public about the declaration of an mpox outbreak in South Sudan,” Mai announced.
The infected individual, a Ugandan national residing in Kupuri Camp at Luri Payam, Juba, had recently traveled to Uganda, where an mpox outbreak has been ongoing since 2024.
“Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease transmitted from animals such as wild rodents to humans, but it can also spread through direct contact with infected individuals,” Mai explained.
Authorities have placed the patient in isolation at Gudele Hospital, while health teams are working to track down all potential contacts.
The Health Ministry has activated the Public Health Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC) to ensure a swift and coordinated national response.
“A team of experts, including WHO officials, is conducting field investigations and monitoring all identified contacts closely,” Mai said.
He urged healthcare providers to remain alert and report any suspected mpox cases to local health authorities for immediate intervention.
