KIGALI, July 29 -- The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) is urging the public to take basic precautionary measures to avoid contracting mpox after two cases were reported in the country over the weekend.

Edson Rwagasore, division manager of public health surveillance and emergency preparedness and response at RBC, said Monday that emphasis should be put on hand hygiene and reduced contact with individuals showing symptoms of mpox.

Rwagasore expressed confidence that the emergency management systems developed during past disease outbreaks in the country such as COVID-19 are in place to deal with mpox outbreak.

The systems include robust tracking across health facilities, screening at points of entry, and communities being able to quickly test using advanced methods.

"These measures give us confidence in our capability to manage potential health challenges, including mpox," he said.

The RBC has launched key interventions including awareness campaigns to educate the public about mpox symptoms and prevention measures.

Noting that the RBC continues to monitor the situation and adopt necessary strategies, Rwagasore said the two reported cases were identified and isolated in time because of effective response systems.

A person infected with mpox exhibits symptoms within 2 to 19 days after exposure. Common symptoms include a rash, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

Mpox, previously called monkeypox, presented an international health emergency in 2022, after spreading to more than 100 countries, affecting mainly gay and bisexual men.

  - Xinhua