Mbarara city is hit with a new Mpox epicenter, Katete ward. As of today, the hospital’s isolation center is caring for 18 patients, mostly from Mbarara City’s Katete ward.
“We have had 88 cases in the last three months, and currently, we have 18 Mpox cases in our isolation center,” declared Dr. Dues Twesigye, the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital acting director.
“Most of these cases are from Mbarara City, specifically Katete ward,” the doctor added.
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The Regional Referral Hospital is grappling with a surge in Mpox cases, having had 88 admissions in the last three months. Despite the increasing cases, the hospital has not recorded any deaths.
However, Dr. Twesigye expressed concern about the strain on resources due to the surge in cases.
“Some patients are picked from public places like buses, and we have to buy sundries and food for their treatment. This has impacted our resources, despite support from the Ministry of Health,” the doctor said.
To prevent further spread and mitigate the risk of other hemorrhagic fevers, the hospital has implemented stringent measures, including limiting patients to one caretaker.
“We are taking precautions to prevent the spread of Mpox and other hemorrhagic fevers, especially with the recent Ebola case in the country,” Dr. Twesigye explained. “If you want to give food or money to a patient, you will have to pass it through their caretaker.”
Dr Twesigye also dispelled rumors that the hospital has Ebola patients. “We received two patients with symptoms similar to Ebola, but their samples tested negative.”
Dr Twesigye urged the standard operating procedures implemented during the COVID-19 outbreak, such as handwashing, sanitizing, avoiding congested areas, and refraining from hugging when greeting, to be recalled.
“We need to be vigilant and take precautions to prevent the spread of Mpox,” he concluded.
The World Health Organization describes Mpox as a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, which can spread through close contact and contaminated surfaces.
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