Health authorities in Nakasongola District are facing immense pressure as they battle a growing outbreak of Mpox, a viral disease that has escalated rapidly in the region.
According to a district situational report dated October 7th, 2024, at least 21 Mpox cases have been confirmed since the first case was identified on September 9th, 2024.
The report indicates that Lwampanga Town Council has been hit hardest, recording 13 cases, while Lwampanga and Wabinyonyi sub-counties registered three and two cases respectively.
Additional cases have been reported in Kalungi, Lwabiyata, and Nakasongola town councils, with each location confirming one case.
We have established that authorities in the ill-fated district are struggling to manage the crisis.
Out of the 21 confirmed cases, 11 people have recovered and been discharged from medical facilities.
However, nine patients remain in isolation at Nakasongola Health Center IV, while one critical patient has been transferred to Entebbe Referral Hospital for specialised care.
Additionally, five suspects are in isolation at Lwampanga Health Center III, with four others in the community pending confirmation of the disease.
The Mpox outbreak has affected a wide cross-section of the population. According to the report, the gender breakdown shows 11 male and 10 female patients.
A detailed occupational analysis revealed that nine fishermen, five commercial sex workers, three business persons, two primary school pupils, one prison inmate, and a boda boda rider are among those infected.
Dr. Agaba Byamukama, the Nakasongola District Health Officer, confirmed that the district, with help from its partners, has intensified contact tracing, having already tracked down 67 out of the 84 people believed to have been exposed.
In addition, 16 laboratory personnel have been trained in sample collection and management, and a transport system has been activated for moving samples and patients.
However, Dr. Agaba also noted that their efforts are being hindered by significant resource gaps. “We lack fuel to transport samples and patients from the community,” he said, further pointing out that there are no funds available to feed patients isolated at Nakasongola Health Center IV and Lwampanga Health Center III.
Sam Kigula, the LC5 Chairman of Nakasongola District, expressed similar concerns.
“We have not yet received funds since the outbreak was confirmed. The district lacks a budget for such emergencies, and we are waiting for support from the Ministry of Health and our partners,” Kigula said.
National Response, Potential Impact
At the national level, health experts are on high alert. Dr. Bernard Lubwama, a Senior Epidemiologist at the Ministry of Health, issued a warning about the potential severity of the disease.
“Mpox is highly infectious, and for every 100 people infected, at least 10 can die if proper medical care is not provided,” he explained.
In response to the outbreak in Nakasongola, the Ministry of Health, alongside several partner organisations, has deployed teams to assist the district task force in containing the spread of Mpox.
Among those on the ground are representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Baylor Uganda, UNICEF, the Makerere University Walter Reed Project, and World Vision.
On Monday, these teams convened at the Nakasongola District Health Department to discuss strategies for controlling the outbreak and mobilising the necessary resources.
Their primary focus is preventing further spread of the disease and ensuring there are no fatalities.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral infection that primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, or animals.
According to the WHO, symptoms include a skin rash or mucosal lesions that can last 2 to 4 weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
Although the disease is typically mild, it can become severe, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
The rising number of cases in Nakasongola is concerning, especially as Uganda as a whole had reported 58 cases of Mpox as of October 3rd, 2024, making Nakasongola the epicenter of the current outbreak.
Way Forward
Nakasongola’s Chief Administrative Officer, Aggrey Winston Muramira, revealed that frontline health workers are grappling with inadequate resources, including a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential supplies.
Muramira noted that the district has already submitted a list of its urgent needs to the Ministry of Health and its partners, hoping for immediate assistance.
As Mpox cases continue to rise, authorities in Nakasongola are under increasing pressure to contain the disease before it spreads further.
With limited funding and resources, the district needs external support to prevent a larger health crisis.
What You Need to Know About Mpox:
Symptoms: Rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
Transmission: Close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials, or animals.
Prevention: Avoid close contact with infected persons, wear protective gear when necessary, and practice good hygiene.
Treatment: Supportive care to manage symptoms; no specific antiviral treatment is available for Mpox.
Stay informed, and take precautions to protect yourself and your community from the spread of Mpox.
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