Residents of Myene Sub County in Oyam District are panicking following the confirmation of Mpox cases in the area. A 16-year-old male pupil from St. Kizito Nursery and Primary School tested positive for Mpox on November 9, 2024.
James Ogwal, the LCIII Chairperson of Myene Sub County and the proprietor of the school, confirmed that the school is strictly following the Ministry of Health’s guidelines, which include regular handwashing and avoiding handshakes to limit the virus's spread.
Luo
//Cue in: "Opoto icukul kom…"
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Translation:
"It is confirmed from my school St. Kizito Nursery and Primary School. A Primary Seven pupil showed signs and symptoms of Mpox. Health officials collected his samples, and the results came back positive. We are following preventive measures, and the situation is calm, with learning still ongoing."
Denis Emor Olwol, Oyam District Health Inspector and Surveillance Focal Person said the infected student is receiving treatment at Anyeke Health Center IV, the district's designated isolation facility. He added that 65 contacts are currently being monitored by the Mpox Surveillance Team. Olwol emphasized the importance of calmness and adherence to health guidelines to curb the spread.
English
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One contact, an adult male from Oyam District who was farming in Nwoya District, is also being monitored. He was taken to the isolation center at Anyeke Health Center IV after showing symptoms.
Jillian Ejang, whose husband is suspected to have contracted Mpox, revealed that her family is enduring social stigma from neighbors.
Luo Audio
//Cue in: "Aworo en otuno…"
Cue out:…dong pet ye."//
Richard Kar Tabaaro, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Oyam, urged the public to avoid stigmatizing affected families. He emphasized the importance of promoting awareness and support instead of panic.
English Audio
//Cue in: "Likewise can die…"
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The Ministry of Health declared a Mpox outbreak on August 2, 2024. As of November 12, Uganda has recorded 468 confirmed cases and one death across 36 districts. Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng stated that the Ministry, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, is intensifying measures such as surveillance, contact tracing, and awareness campaigns to manage the outbreak.
Solomon Okabo
Freelancer