Mbarara City is on high alert as the threat of Mpox looms over western Uganda, with neighbouring districts reporting confirmed cases.
While no Mpox cases have been recorded in Mbarara so far, the city’s health officials are ramping up prevention efforts due to its status as a major urban hub. City Health Officer (CHO) Keiruky Longino Mugisha confirmed,
"We have not received any case reported so far. However, as a city, we are on high alert." The city's heavy daily traffic, with people constantly flowing in and out, places it at heightened risk for infectious disease outbreaks like Mpox.
Mugisiha emphasized that Mbarara’s urban setting, combined with its role as a transit and business hub, makes it particularly vulnerable.
"The city is a high-risk area because it's an urban setting where people flock in and out at any time," he explained. This frequent movement of people could easily facilitate the spread of Mpox, a viral disease that spreads through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials.
To mitigate this risk, the city health department is stepping up its surveillance and preventive measures.
Neighboring districts, such as Kisoro, which is at great risk, and Kasese, which has already reported confirmed Mpox cases, have heightened concerns.
This has spurred Mbarara's health officials into action as they work to ensure the city remains free of the virus. "We are planning to have meetings at various levels," said Mugisha, noting that discussions with the city’s task force and surveillance teams will begin next Tuesday to formulate prevention strategies. The meetings will assess the city's readiness to tackle a potential outbreak.
Although no cases have surfaced in Mbarara yet, the city’s health department is working proactively to prepare for any potential outbreak. Officials are not only focusing on preventing an outbreak but also on raising awareness among the city’s residents. Public sensitization campaigns will be rolled out in the city.
"We shall engage the task force and the surveillance team to step up prevention measures," Mugisha said, adding that the health department will coordinate with local leaders and medical personnel to enhance response mechanisms.
Mpox, caused by the Monkeypox virus, presents with symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, and a distinct rash.
With the virus spreading through close contact, the rapid movement of people in Mbarara heightens the risk of transmission. Uganda’s health authorities have urged local governments, especially in high-risk urban centers like Mbarara, to intensify surveillance efforts to prevent further spread.
Despite the lack of cases in the city, the CHO remains vigilant. Mugisha expressed confidence in the city’s ability to prevent an outbreak but stressed the importance of ongoing caution.
With task force meetings set to begin next week, Mbarara's health department is determined to stay one step ahead of Mpox, ensuring the safety of its residents while keeping a close eye on developments in the surrounding districts.