Nebbi Resident District Commissioner Robert Abak has confirmed that one case of the Mpox virus has been registered in the district.
The patient is from Panyimur, Pakwach District.
Abak announced the development on October 29 during the district budget conference at NECOSCO Hall, stating that the individual tested positive after self-referring to Nebbi General Hospital.
“As the chairperson of the district task force, I can confirm that Nebbi District has now registered one case of the Mpox virus. This puts the district in a very tricky situation in terms of fighting the virus, given the current dynamics on the ground,” Abak said.
The district surveillance team expressed concern, noting that the patient may have come into contact with unknown individuals as he travelled by boda boda from Panyimur in Pakwach to Nebbi.
Authorities emphasised the need for robust sensitisation to raise awareness and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at home and in public places.
Isaac Ochora, the Nebbi District Surveillance Officer, reported that extensive response activities have been implemented to curb the virus’s further spread. He also mentioned that the team received alerts from Erussi Health Centre II in Erussi Sub County, prompting intensified preventive measures.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness that spreads more easily through close physical contact, including sexual activity. Symptoms include fever, headaches, and low energy.
The Nebbi General Hospital Administrator appealed to the Ministry of Health for essential medical equipment and support, emphasising the risks of handling the virus.
Ongom assured the public that the hospital administration is closely monitoring the situation, and the patient is responding positively to treatment.
Cumulatively, 222 confirmed cases of Mpox have been registered in Uganda, with one death reported, according to the World Health Organisation.
