Kikuube Health department reports one monkey pox suspected case.
Kikuube Health Department is investigating a suspected Monkey pox case and the patient has been isolated, officials say.
This comes after a young male patient from Kihohoro village in Kidoma parish, Kiziranfumbi sub-county who is currently admitted at Kikuube Health IV is experiencing the virus symptoms similar to that of Mpox.
Godfrey Barongo, the Kikuube district health educator confirms that they received a male adult who presented signs of money pox illness and currently samples have been picked and taken for examination.
"I have taken off the sample from the patient and the sample transported to Uganda virus Institute (UVRI) Entebbe waiting for the results. The case is being managed at kikuube Health Centre IV as we wait for the confirmatory results". Barongo confirmed Tuesday morning
Barongo has asked the general public to be vigilant of any person who presents signs similar to monkey pox infected person.
"We have done enough sensitisation to the population on the signs of a person with monkey pox, but we appeal to the people to avoid self medication rather run to the near by health facilities for check-up and possible attendance" he added
Peter Banura, the district chairman says their is a lot of laxity by the community when it comes to washing hands, urging the health department to intensify efforts on letting people understand why it is important to keep clean.
"Kikuube is one of the rural districts in Bunyoro, so some people still take it for granted on visiting health facilities when they fall sick, washing hands so my appeal is to the health department to work harder to let people know the advantages of being healthy, and avoiding self medication " Banura said
Uganda has so far registered 10 cases of Mpox with the highest number being registered in Kasese (3) and Mayuge (3), Kampala (2), Wakiso (1) and Amuru (1) since it was reported in July 2024.
On 14th August, World Health Organization-WHO declared Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern.
Mpox is a contagious virus which can be prevented by avoiding physical contact, washing hands regularly with soap, avoiding sharing clothes among others.
