Western Equatoria Battles Rising Mpox Cases Amid Medical Shortages and Ebola Fears

(Photo Credit: Alfadil Attiya Abuanja / File)

By: Alfadil Attiya Abuanja

YAMBIO, May 29, 2026 — Health authorities in Western Equatoria State have raised alarm over a growing Mpox outbreak, warning that shortages of medical supplies, limited isolation facilities and increasing cross-border health threats are undermining containment efforts.

Mpox, a viral disease spread through close contact with infected people, animals or contaminated materials, typically causes fever, body aches and skin rashes.

Speaking to reporters in Yambio on Thursday, State Health Minister James Abdallah Arona said Western Equatoria has recorded 157 suspected Mpox cases since the outbreak began in February.

“Mpox started in February in Ezo and later moved to Yambio,” Arona said. “For a long period, the number of confirmed cases remained at 24. However, today the number of positive Mpox cases confirmed through testing in Yambio County has risen to 35.”

Yambio County remains the epicenter of the outbreak, followed by Nzara and Tambura counties. Nzara has recorded two confirmed cases, while Tambura has reported five cases. Other counties remain under active surveillance.

Arona warned that shortages of infection prevention and control materials were weakening the state’s response capacity.

“Our plan with our partners remains the same, but we urgently need tools and equipment such as face masks, sanitizers, gumboots and protective kits to strengthen our response,” he said.

Health officials say isolating suspected patients remains critical to limiting community transmission, but inadequate facilities continue to hamper efforts.

Authorities are also concerned about the potential spread of Ebola from neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, citing frequent cross-border movement and informal trade routes as major risks.

“The Ebola outbreak in Congo and its movement into Uganda is a deadly disease. If it reaches Western Equatoria State, it could disrupt our health system,” Arona warned.

He called for tighter border monitoring and coordination with security agencies to regulate movement along unofficial crossing points.

“We recommended that state authorities work closely with security organs to consider temporary restrictions on border movements instead of allowing unrestricted crossings,” he said.

Despite the concerns, Arona confirmed that no Ebola cases have been detected in Western Equatoria.

At Tambura Hospital, matron Patrick Kumbo said Mpox remains the area’s primary public health concern.

“We previously had an isolation room, but currently there is no dedicated isolation facility,” Kumbo said.

He added that the hospital had strengthened preventive measures, including handwashing stations, sanitizers and temperature screening at entry points.

Meanwhile, Ezo County Hospital says it is struggling with severe shortages of medical resources.

“We currently have only one isolation tent with five beds, which is not enough to handle the increasing number of patients,” said Medical Director Musa Samuel.

Samuel said the shortage of infection prevention materials and lack of ambulances had forced some patients into home isolation. However, he noted that most patients had recovered and no Mpox-related deaths had been reported in Ezo County.

The State Ministry of Health said its Risk Communication and Community Engagement team is currently undergoing training in Juba to strengthen public awareness campaigns.

Arona appealed to the national government and international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, to urgently provide support and medical supplies.

“I appeal to the President, the National Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF, UN agencies and all partners to support us with necessary equipment and resources,” he said.