Health and local government authorities in Ezo County, Western Equatoria State, have confirmed three suspected cases of Mpox (Monkeypox) in the county.
Dr. Jimmy Tarrick, the Medical Director in Ezo County, told Radio Tamazuj that the cases were identified about two weeks ago in early January 2026 and that the first case involved a man and his wife who were later tested and confirmed positive for Mpox. The man works as a nutrition service provider in Ezo.
Mpox (monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic disease causing fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a, painful, fluid-filled rash that lasts 2 to 4 weeks. It is primarily transmitted through close, intimate, or skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal, and occasionally via contaminated materials. While often mild, it can be serious, particularly for children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
“The patient told me that he had eaten bush meat, which could have been the source of the infection,” Sr. Tarrick stated. “Ezo County borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR), which increases the risk of cross-border transmission.”
He further confirmed that another community member also tested positive, bringing the total number of suspected cases to three.
According to the health official, no adequate medical support has been provided so far, and patients are only receiving treatment to manage symptoms.
Samples have already been sent to Juba for laboratory verification, and authorities are awaiting the final results.
One of the patients, who spoke to Radio Tamazuj on condition of anonymity, said he has been admitted to Ezo Hospital for eight days.
“At first, I thought it was a common illness. Later, my wife and I were both confirmed positive,” he said. “We are currently receiving treatment at Ezo Hospital, but the real medicine is not available—only drugs for symptoms.”
The patient appealed to local, state, and national health authorities, as well as humanitarian partners, to urgently provide proper medication to contain the outbreak.
Meanwhile, Ezo County Commissioner Abel Sudan described the situation as calm but concerning, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention.
“The first case was recorded in November 2025. This year, another patient working at Naandi PHCC as a nutrition officer was identified with Mpox,” he said. “Three people have been affected so far. This disease is dangerous, and experts must urgently come to Ezo.”
He appealed to the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners to support the county with medical supplies and technical expertise.
The state health ministry, headed by Minister James Abdallah Arona, said it has not yet received full details regarding the Mpox cases, but said information will be provided once verification is complete.
Ezo County lies about five kilometers from the DRC and a short distance from CAR. The county has also recently received refugees from CAR and internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Tambura County, increasing public health concerns in the area.