An African man, Egide Irambona, is sharing his experience battling the painful symptoms of the newly discovered mpox strain known as Clade 1b. Currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Burundi, Irambona's case has raised alarm as Africa's mpox outbreak continues, prompting fears of a potential global pandemic. Cases of Clade 1b have also been reported in Thailand and Sweden, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the mpox outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern."

Clade 1b is primarily transmitted through heterosexual contact, and while it appears to be less fatal than other mpox variants, it is believed to be highly contagious. Irambona, speaking to the BBC, shared the excruciating pain he endured, stating, "I had swollen lymph nodes in my throat. It was so painful I couldn't sleep. Then the pain subsided there and it moved to my legs."

The number of mpox cases in Burundi has risen to over 170 in the past month, with patients experiencing blister eruptions and severe discomfort. Among them is Egide Irambona, who endured sleepless nights due to the excruciating pain. Shockingly, Irambona believes he contracted the viral infection from a friend who had blisters, unaware it was mpox. Thankfully, their seven children have not shown any signs of infection.

Irambona's wife has also been infected and is receiving treatment at the same overcrowded medical facility. Currently, 59 out of 61 hospital beds are occupied by mpox patients, raising concerns about the hospital's capacity to handle the growing number of cases. Dr. Odette Nsavyimana, the hospital director, expressed worry over the situation and mentioned setting up tents outside to accommodate more patients if needed.

The severity and fatality of the new mpox strain in Burundi remain unclear due to limited testing resources. Dr. Liliane Nkengurutse, the national director for the Centre for Public Health Emergency Operations, explained the challenges they face in diagnosing new cases. With only one location for testing, it takes time to collect samples and release results. The country requires approximately $14 million to improve its response to the disease.

As of now, there is no information on when mpox vaccines will be administered in Burundi. Health officials are urging the public to stay safe, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. However, many people in Burundi, when interviewed by the BBC, seemed unaware of mpox and its spread within their communities. This lack of understanding and complacency regarding the disease poses a challenge for prevention efforts.

"I have heard about this disease, but I have never seen someone who suffers from it. I have only seen it on social media," expressed one anonymous individual. Another unnamed person shared their fear of mpox but emphasized the need to work and provide for their family.

The mpox outbreak in Africa has become an urgent and critical concern, demanding swift action and increased resources. Effective communication and education are necessary to ensure public awareness of the disease and its impact. With the current challenges faced by healthcare systems in diagnosing and responding to new cases, a concerted effort is required to bring this outbreak under control and prevent its further spread.