Mpox panic in Pader: authorities urge swift action

2 September 2024, 17:22

By Kinyera Lakomekec

Residents of Biwang village, Oryang parish in Pajule sub-county, Pader district, are gripped with fear following the discovery of a suspected Mpox case in a young girl. The child, whose identity has been withheld for privacy, displayed symptoms resembling both Mpox and chickenpox when she was brought to Oryang Health Centre II for treatment earlier this week.

Ogena Tonny, the person in charge at Oryang Health Centre II, said that after observing the child’s symptoms, he immediately alerted Pajule Health Centre IV via a WhatsApp message. In his initial message, he wrote: “Pajule team, there is a suspected Mpox case from Oryang HC II. The lab team should organise for sample collection and refer it to UVRI if the Hub driver is coming today. They are on their way now.”

Tonny further explained that the girl is new to the area, and no information is available about her residence or background. In a follow-up WhatsApp message to the Pajule health team, he added: “She’s new to the area and I don’t know where they are staying.”

The team at Pajule Health Centre IV was instructed via text to respond quickly by preparing for sample collection and arranging for the samples to be sent to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) for testing.

As the community awaits the test results with growing anxiety, Mr Alfonse Omona Lokilamoi, the Chairperson of Pajule sub-county, confirmed the report and urged locals to take precautions. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and we advise everyone to be cautious while waiting for the test results. It’s important to stay calm but remain vigilant,” Omona emphasised.

When contacted for comment, Dr Oyoo Benson, the Acting District Health Officer (DHO) for Pader, did not acknowledge the report but stated that he is currently on leave. “I am on leave; you may reach out to Dr Dominic Okidi for further handling,” Dr Benson said.

Dr Okidi, speaking on behalf of the district, said his office had not yet received an official report but stressed the importance of precautionary measures. “We haven’t yet received the formal report, but since Mpox has already been confirmed in the country, I advise everyone to remain cautious. If the patient is at Pajule Health Centre, further tests will be conducted to determine whether it is Mpox or chickenpox,” he explained.

Mr Justine Ocen, the district’s health secretary, confirmed that the child had been referred to Pajule Health Centre IV for further treatment. “This young child reported to Oryang Health Centre II in Pajule sub-county and was immediately referred to Pajule Health Centre IV for further management,” Ocen said.

He noted that while the symptoms have caused alarm among residents, no conclusions should be drawn until laboratory tests are conducted. “The signs and symptoms resemble those of Mpox or chickenpox, but we urge the public not to panic until all investigations are completed,” he added.

Ocen further emphasised the importance of vigilance without inciting fear. “The child is being managed at Pajule Health Centre IV, and all efforts are being made by our health officials to determine the cause of the condition. The public will be informed accordingly,” he assured.

Mpox typically presents with symptoms such as fever, rash, blisters, and pustules, with severe cases leading to prolonged illness. Since the first confirmed case in Kasese, Uganda, on July 24, the outbreak has expanded to 10 confirmed cases as of August 22. While there is no cure for Mpox, supportive care is essential for managing symptoms.

Local health authorities continue to appeal for calm and urge residents to follow hygiene protocols and avoid unnecessary contact with suspected cases while they await test results from UVRI.