SOUTH SUDAN REFUGEE TESTS POSITIVE FOR MPOX IN ADJUMANI

A patient with Mpox disease. Photo Credit WHO

URN

Adjumani district health authorities have confirmed an outbreak of Mpox disease and registered four suspected new cases. The case was registered on a 12-year-old South Sudan refugee girl whose sample tested positive for the viral disease.

The result was released by the Health Ministry following tests conducted at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI). This brings to 22, the cumulative total cases registered in the country since July 24. A report from the district health department indicates the patient had spent a month at the Nyumanzi reception center where she had been transferred along with the family on August 3.

The family crossed into Uganda through Elegu Border Point on August 2 from Juba in South Sudan. Health officials reported that on September 8th, the patient first developed a fever and macula-popular rash that started on the head to the trunk and limbs and body itching.

An investigation conducted by health officials indicates the patient’s mother had suffered a similar but mild symptom around August 18 but resolved spontaneously. Uganda Radio Network understands that the patient first sought medical attention at the Nyumanzi Health Center outpost before being referred to Nyumanzi Health Center III isolation unit on September 10.

Peter Taban Data, the Adjumani Resident District Commissioner told URN Friday that so far 28 contacts have been listed and placed under monitoring by health officials. Taban says the contacts including the suspected cases are all South Sudan refugees who were currently at Nyumanzi reception center waiting for evacuation to Kiryandongo Refugee settlement in Kiryadongo District.

At least 1,000 new arrivals at the reception center have so far been screened according to Taban adding that the situation is calm. He notes that following the outbreak of Mpox, a district rapid response team and district task force team have been activated to handle emergencies and also conduct sensitization on Mpox risks and prevention measures.

At least five people consisting of one confirmed case and four suspected cases are currently in the isolation unit at Nyumanzi health center. Health officials however reported challenges that include capacity gaps among the frontline responders, escape attempts by caretakers of isolated patients, language barrier, and delayed turnaround time for results.

The Health Ministry confirmed the first cases of Mpox in the country on July 24, 2024, following the confirmation of two case patients from Kasese District. Mpox is caused by Monkeypox virus which is closely related to smallpox. The disease can cause a painful rash, sore throat, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. According to the World Health Organization, most people infected by the disease fully recover, but some get very sick.