By Emmanuel Okol
KATAKWI
Katakwi district local government under the Health department has confirmed that the district has registered three Mpox Cases.
This was revealed by the Katakwi District Health Officer, Dr. Stephen Ichumar Omeke on Tuesday, 28th January, 2025 during capacity building Workshop of bodaboda riders which was spearheaded by Microsoft finance at Katakwi district headquarters.
Omeke said, all the patients were registered in Ngariam County and they are now in an isolation room in Katakwi general hospital.
“We warned the public about the possibility of the disease expanding in the district. We need to adhere to precautions,” DHO said.
Geoffrey Omolo, the LCV Chairman Katakwi district urges the boda boda riders to be vigilant while carrying their passages with motorcycles.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which spreads through close contact.
Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, skin rash, and back pain.
However the Deputy RDC Katakwi, Vincent Xavier Okwi said his office is going to coordinate with the office of Health in the district to intensify preventive measures, including enhanced surveillance, case management, risk communication and community engagement, and public awareness campaigns to curb the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, the Vice President, HE Rtd Maj Jesica Rose Alupo Epel called upon the boda-boda riders to embrace government programs i.e Emyoga, PDM, among others.
She urged the community to be vigilant against MPOX disease.
In August, the World Health Organization declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, highlighting its potential for further global transmission.
