NICHOLAS A
Health authorities in Ntungamo district are struggling to combat Mpox, which they say has already reached the district, with one case currently registered.
Twesigye Nesterio, the Ntungamo district health educator, told our reporter that they conducted 10 tests last week, which were sent to Kampala. According to the results, one of the tested individuals has been found positive in Rwashamaire town council.
He mentioned that until this case, the district had not registered any cases of Mpox, even though the disease has been hard-hit in Uganda.
Nesterio stressed the importance of early testing if one feels unwell, noting that when the disease is detected at an early stage, it is curable. However, if medication is delayed, it becomes more difficult to treat.
He warned that the district is on the verge of seeing the disease spread if residents do not stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid it.
Nesterio highlighted the signs and symptoms of Mpox, which include fever, flu-like symptoms such as muscle and back aches, shivering, and tiredness.
He also mentioned other symptoms, such as swollen glands that feel like new lumps (in the neck, armpits, or groin), and a blistering rash that typically appears 1 to 5 days after other symptoms. The rash may start on the face or genital area and can spread to other parts of the body.
Nesterio confirmed that the district has already put strategies in place to prevent the disease from spreading, and they are engaging Village Health Teams (VHTs) to educate the public on how to avoid it.
Mpox has spread to various parts of Uganda, affecting lives and leading to deaths when not properly treated.
