EDITOR
The Acting Director and Senior Consultant Surgeon at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Dr. Deus Twesigye, has revealed that the hospital recently admitted two patients—a male and a female—suffering from severe bloody diarrhea and fever, symptoms that initially alarmed the medical team.
The male patient, a 15-year-old Burundian from Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro District, tragically passed away while receiving treatment in the isolation unit. His burial was conducted at Kabazana burial ground in Nakivale, following standard operating procedures.
Speaking at a press briefing held in the hospital’s boardroom, Dr. Twesigye disclosed that, with assistance from UNICEF, samples were collected from the suspected cases. Fortunately, test results received on Tuesday ruled out Ebola and other hemorrhagic fevers, including Rift Valley Fever.
Dr. Twesigye explained that hemorrhagic virus fevers often present with high fever, severe muscle pain, weakness, headaches, chest pain, and, in advanced stages, uncontrolled bleeding from body openings.
Currently, the hospital has 18 patients admitted to the isolation unit suffering from Mopox. According to Dr. Twesigye, Mbarara City Council health workers have played a crucial role in identifying and referring suspected cases to the hospital. Since the outbreak, the hospital has handled a cumulative total of 88 Mopox cases, all of whom have been treated, improved, and discharged.
He further noted that 70% of the reported Mopox cases originate from Mbarara City, particularly from Katete Ward in Mbarara City South Division. A few cases have been reported in Kashari and Isingiro District, but none among refugees.
Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Harrison Kagule, confirmed that the facility has been effectively managing infectious diseases, including Mopox. He emphasized that no deaths have resulted from Mopox but acknowledged challenges in providing food for patients, as attendants are not permitted to bring meals into the hospital.
Kagule added that beyond treating patients, the hospital is committed to mobilizing and sensitizing communities about infectious diseases through electronic and print media.
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