Stella T
Rukungiri District Resident Commissioner Steven Nsubuga Behwayo has cautioned the public to be vigilant to prevent the entry of monkeypox into the district.
During an interview with our reporter regarding the emerging monkeypox virus in the country, Nsubuga explained that Mpox is a self-limiting disease characterized by pustules or small boils on the skin. It is often accompanied by high-grade fever, swelling of lymph nodes, headaches, and general body weakness.
He emphasized that while Mpox is generally self-limiting, it can be fatal in certain cases, particularly among children under five years old, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Nsubuga urged the public to adopt robust infection control measures to prevent the spread of the virus, warning that many cases could overwhelm the health system, as observed elsewhere.
He explained that Mpox is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, and among humans, it spreads through direct contact with an infected person.
Nsubuga noted no specific treatment for Mpox, and management is primarily symptomatic, depending on the presenting complaints. He urged the public to practice regular handwashing as a preventive measure.
He added that although no cases of Mpox have been reported in Rukungiri District, the district is working closely with the task force to monitor the situation, especially given the proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where cases have been registered.
