By Steven Masiga

MBALE, Uganda – A recent outbreak of polio in Mbale has sparked concern among health officials and stakeholders, following reports of at least three confirmed cases in the city.

During a high-level stakeholder engagement at the Mbale City Chambers, Dr Moses Mugonya, the City Health Officer, highlighted the severity of the outbreak to representatives from Inzu Ya Masaba, the World Health Organization (WHO), Spotlight Africa, city officials, and the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Mugonya attributed the outbreak to low population immunity against the disease, emphasizing the critical need for immediate intervention. “We have identified over three individuals affected by the polio virus. This resurgence is largely due to insufficient immunization coverage,” he explained.

A WHO representative noted Uganda’s historical battle with polio, recalling the peak of the disease in the late 1980s. Through extensive government-led immunization campaigns, Uganda has successfully eradicated polio, making the current outbreak particularly alarming.

Investigations have traced the origin of the polio strain in Mbale to Garissa, Kenya. The virus is believed to have spread through business interactions, as Mbale serves as a transit route for many Kenyan traders and truck drivers. Laboratory tests conducted in Entebbe confirmed the presence of the polio virus in faecal matter from the Doko sewerage plant in Namatala, indicating contamination likely caused by infected individuals from Garissa.

In response, residents have been advised against planting crops near sewerage plants to prevent further spread of the virus. Dr. Mugonya urged parents to take their children to the nearest health facilities for polio immunization as an immediate protective measure.

The Inzu Yamasaba, through their spokesperson, has committed to spreading awareness about the polio outbreak within their communities. They are encouraging massive immunization efforts among the Bamasaba people and other residents in the region.

“Polio is an extremely deadly disease that can paralyze or kill within a short time if it reaches the chest. The disease causes severe thinning of the limbs, leading to immobility and disability if not promptly treated,” Dr. Mugonya emphasized.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) team also drew parallels between polio and cholera, both transmitted through faecal matter. Given Mbale’s recent cholera outbreak, officials stressed the importance of monitoring areas such as Chinese factories and the Doko sewerage points, which could be potential hotspots for disease transmission.

As Mbale grapples with this public health crisis, authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure widespread immunization and hygiene practices to curb the spread of polio. The city’s residents are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with health officials to protect their communities from this debilitating disease.