Mpox, a highly infectious disease, has taken root in Burundi, yet many remain unaware of its severity. In Bujumbura, people like Nkundubumwe, a city bus driver, admit they’ve only heard about the disease but haven’t seen its impact firsthand. This disconnect between awareness and reality is alarming, as health services continue to battle the Mpox epidemic.

At Roi Khaled University Hospital in Kamenge, the toll of the disease is evident. As of Thursday, 59 patients were being treated, including more than 20 men, women, and children, some as young as 15. Patients like Irambona, a 40-year-old father of seven, have been hospitalized with severe symptoms.

He described experiencing intense pain throughout his body, including in his eyes, hands, and stomach. Although his condition is improving, the disease's initial symptoms were excruciating, particularly with throat pain that later spread to his feet.

Samuel Nduwimana, a 28-year-old patient at the same hospital, shared a similar story. His body is covered in painful lesions, especially on his head. He has been in the hospital for three weeks and is slowly recovering due to the dedicated care provided.

Despite these cases, many in Bujumbura remain indifferent. The lack of visible fear or anxiety in the streets is concerning, given the disease's rapid spread. In just one month since the outbreak was declared, over 170 cases have been confirmed in Burundi. Health officials warn that the situation could worsen, particularly in high-risk areas like Kinama and Kamenge.

While the number of cases continues to rise, the public remains largely unaware of the seriousness of Mpox. This ignorance is dangerous, as the disease is more contagious than COVID-19 and can spread even when no symptoms are present. Dr. Liliane Nkengurutse, director of the Emergency Services Department, emphasizes that despite efforts to educate the public, many still don’t understand the gravity of the situation.

In neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mpox has already claimed over 500 lives and infected more than 16,000 people. The threat is real, but in Burundi, the fight against Mpox faces an uphill battle as people continue to go about their daily lives, oblivious to the growing danger.