BY JOACKIM KULE
Kasese District Health department is still lacking enough funds to facilitate the response activities against the Mpox disease.
Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a disease similar to smallpox caused by a virus. It causes flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills, and a rash that can take weeks to clear.
It was declared in Uganda on July 24 this year by the Ministry of Health with Kasese having the very first two cases in Bukonzo County West.
The first four cases involved a 37 year-old Congolese housewife who lives in Kambukamabwe, a 22 -year – old man in Kamukumbi, a 30 -year -old Boda-boda rider from Kabuyiri and a 27- year – old causal laborer in Nyabugando.
Since October to date, more other four cases making eight accumulative ones have been confirmed in Kasese District.
They involve a 17 year – old senior two student with a dual citizenship of Uganda and DRC living in Nyamambuka I cell in Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council.
Other new cases involved a 24 year – old businessman, a resident of Temangalo Cell in Kasese Town and a 42 year-old male Truck driver and a resident of Kambukamabwe Cell.
While the other is a 23 year- old female house wife in Temangalo Cell.
Presenting a status report during the District Taskforce Meeting that was held on Tuesday at the Mayor’s Gardens, Mr. Arafat Bwambale, the District Surveillance Focal Person, revealed that despite all the efforts and methods applied to trace and investigate the cases, they are affected by limited funds.
According to him, the inadequacy of funds hinders the process of facilitating the welfare of patients who are admitted at the isolation centre as well as the health workers who are supporting case managements.
Kasese District Health Officer, Dr. Amon Bwambale reported that he was happy that the disease was being managed without any deaths registered.
Kasese Deputy Resident District Commissioner in-charge of Busongora County, Mr. Zepher Mubingwa, encouraged the department to maintain its level of vigilance and surveillance so that the disease is completely eradicated from the district.
ENDS