Worry of Mpox spread at West Nile border districts

Highlights

• According to the ministry of health, Mpox cases have been confirmed in 15 districts, with Nakasongola and Kampala reporting the highest numbers at 29 cases each
• A case of Mpox has been reported in Adjumani district in West Nile sub-region

By Oringi Denis

A section of leaders from West Nile are worried of the spread of Mpox from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.

They say the inadequate mobilization, sensitization and health check-ups at the border districts like Nebbi pose a threat to the spread of the deadly disease. The Padyere County MP Otimgiw Isaac Ismail, said on Thursday that the ministry of health should take urgent action to avert the “concerning spread” of Mpox in the country.

“We have not seen any form of mobilization, health checks around our borders. The ministry of health has not mobilized any form of surveillance or screening points like we saw during COVID 19,” he said.

The legislature cautioned the populace from killing the monkeys that are suspected to be the one spreading the disease. He said if proper sensitization is not done, people will resort to killing the Monkeys which in turn with affect wildlife.

“We should not send a wrong signal for people to start attacking monkeys which are bringing in for us foreign exchange through tourism,” he said.

Padyere County MP, Isaac Otimgiw.

West Nile districts of Nebbi, Zombo, Arua district, Arua City, Maracha and Koboko borders the DRCongo where the cases of Mpox have been highly registered.

For instance, Mpox has been reported in the DRC for more than a decade, and the number of cases reported each year has increased steadily over that period.

Last year, reported cases increased significantly, and already the number of cases reported so far this year has exceeded last year’s total, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths.

According to the ministry of health, Mpox cases have been confirmed in 15 districts, with Nakasongola and Kampala reporting the highest numbers at 29 cases each.

Wakiso follows with 16 cases, while Mayuge has registered 11, Kasese, the district where the disease was first detected, has maintained four cases, and Mityana has three, Mukono, Nakaseke, and Masindi have each confirmed two cases.

Meanwhile Amuru, Kagadi, Adjumani, Kabale, Buliisa, and Dokolo each confirmed one case of monkeypox.

Uganda’s Health Minister, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, emphasized the importance of targeting communities where the infection (mpox) is most prevalent.

We need to collaborate across borders so as to contain this epidemic and bring it under control. Usually, balancing between trade, travel and tourism is not an easy thing.

She warned that the outbreak has already affected two schools in Nakasongola and Wakiso districts, and more schools could be impacted if urgent action is not taken.

Dr Aceng also stressed the need for a balanced approach to managing the outbreak, ensuring that trade, travel, and tourism are not severely disrupted.

About Mpox

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, was first discovered in monkeys in 1958, with the first human case reported in 1970. The virus spreads from animals to humans and between people through close contact, contaminated objects and respiratory droplets.

Symptoms include a skin rash or lesions, fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, general body weakness and swollen lymph nodes, typically lasting two to four weeks. While most cases are moderate, severe cases and deaths can occur.

How to reduce the risk

The WHO recommends that the public is advised to avoid contact with individuals diagnosed with the virus or those who may be infected. Wear a face mask when in close contact with symptomatic individuals, use personal protective equipment when caring for confirmed or suspected cases.

Also, wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizers after contact with infected persons or animals, regularly wash clothing and bedsheets at high temperature and ensure meat is thoroughly cooked before consumption.

Individuals suspecting that they may have contracted Mpox should self-isolate and seek medical advice immediately. WHO recommends vaccination primarily for those at high risk of exposure.