Mpox cases in Nakasongola District have increased from 21 to 24 as of Wednesday, 9th. The rise is mostly happening in Lwampanga, with 16 cases coming from Lwampanga Town Council and Lwampanga Sub-County.
The spread has been linked to the lifestyle in the fishing communities, where activities like prostitution and frequent travel for business, especially to countries like Congo and Tanzania, are common. These movements are believed to contribute to the spread of the virus.
Jamila Nakiyimba, Deputy Mayor of Nakasongola Town Council, explained that people initially mistook the virus for chickenpox due to the similar rashes, which led to a slow response. “Many had contact with infected people, especially close contacts, and this has worsened the situation,” she said.
Nakiyimba also raised concerns about some infected individuals hiding at home to avoid being placed in quarantine. “This fear of isolation is making things worse. People are avoiding medical help, which is causing the virus to spread faster,” she added.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health, along with the World Health Organization (WHO), has set up a 24-bed isolation facility at Lwampanga Health Center III.
Dr. Annet Alenyo Ngabirano from WHO, who oversees case management and infection control, mentioned that seven patients are being treated at the center, including three children, three women, and one man. “We have all the necessary equipment, medication, and support services to help these patients recover fully,” she said.
Dr. Agaba Byabakama, Nakasongola’s District Health Officer, urged those showing symptoms to seek help at the isolation unit. “We encourage the community to use this facility as it will help reduce further infections,” he stated.
He also called on local leaders to keep raising awareness about Mpox, stressing the importance of education in stopping the virus from spreading to other areas.
Residents of Lwampanga are asking sex workers in the area to pause their activities until the outbreak is under control.
As authorities and health officials work to contain the situation, cooperation from the community remains crucial in stopping the spread of the virus.