![A picture of an inmate showing signs and symptoms of mpox. [Photo: Courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_20250520_133041_797-scaled.jpg?resize=2560%2C1440&quality=89&ssl=1)
Dr. Malok also disclosed that the ministry is investigating three suspected measles cases in Rumbek Central Prison. Eight samples were sent to Juba for testing, with two returning positive, prompting an official declaration of a measles outbreak in Lakes State. “We are actively monitoring and investigating additional cases,” he said.
Mpox, a highly contagious viral disease, spreads through close contact with infected individuals. Symptoms include high fever, swollen lymph nodes, painful skin lesions, and wounds, which can disrupt daily activities for over 10 days. “This disease is dangerous and can significantly impact normal routines,” Dr. Malok warned.
To curb the outbreak, the ministry, in collaboration with partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), International Rescue Committee (IRC), and CUAMM, has implemented preventive measures.
These include distributing soap, sanitisers, and paracetamol to inmates to alleviate pain and fever. Isolation tents have been set up within Rumbek Central Prison to manage severe cases.
Dr. Malok emphasised the importance of preventive measures, including thorough handwashing and avoiding contact with infected individuals.
“If everyone adheres to these precautions, we can control the spread of the virus,” he said. He expressed concern about the virus’s contagious nature, noting that released inmates could potentially spread it to nearby communities if not properly monitored.
The ministry’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) is conducting contact tracing and compiling a list of affected individuals. Released inmates are monitored for 21 days to ensure their families and communities remain safe.
Additionally, the ministry plans to train healthcare workers to recognise mpox symptoms, such as rashes, and implement immediate preventive measures.
Dr. Malok highlighted the reliance on partners like CUAMM and UNICEF for medical supplies and staff incentives, as the state lacks a dedicated budget for emergency responses like mpox, polio, or floods.
“We depend on local resources and partner support to manage crises,” he said. Five severely affected individuals will have samples sent to Juba for further confirmation via PCR testing. If positive, the same preventive measures used in Rumbek Central Prison will be extended to Pacong.
Captain Jacob Maker Majak, the doctor in charge of Rumbek Central Prison’s health facility, confirmed the mpox outbreak but noted that the condition of infected inmates is stable.
He urged Lakes State residents to adopt preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing with soap or ash and using sanitisers, to protect themselves from the virus.
Dr. Malok advised that individuals showing symptoms like rashes should isolate for at least five to seven days until symptoms subside, reducing the risk of spreading the virus. “Community cooperation is essential to contain this outbreak,” he concluded.
