By Kinyera Lakomekec
Pader, (UG):- Residents of Biwang Village, Oryang Parish in Pajule Sub-County, Pader District, are gripped with fear following the discovery of a suspected Mpox case in a young girl.
The child, whose identity has been withheld by authorities for privacy, displayed symptoms resembling both Mpox and chickenpox when she was brought to Oryang Health Center II for treatment earlier this week.
Ogena Tonny, the in-charge at Oryang Health Center II, said that after observing the child’s symptoms, he immediately alerted Pajule Health Center IV through a WhatsApp message.
In his first message, Oegna wrote: “Pajule team, there is a suspected Mpox case from Oryang HC II. The lab team should organize for sample taking and refer it to UVRI if the Hub driver is coming today. They are on the way now.”
He further explained that the girl is new to the area, and no information is available about her residence or background. In a follow-up WhatsApp text to the Pajule health team, he added: “She’s new in the area and I don’t know where they were staying.”
The team at Pajule Health Center IV were through the text tasked to respond quickly by preparing for sample collection and arranged for the samples to be sent to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) for testing.
As the community awaits the test results with growing anxiety, Mr. Alfonse Omona Lokilamoi, the Chairperson of Pajule Sub-County, confirmed the report and urged locals to take precautions.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and we advise everyone to be cautious while waiting for the test results. It’s important to stay calm but remain vigilant,” he emphasized.
When contacted for comment, Dr. Oyoo Benson, the acting District Health Officer (DHO) for Pader, without acknowledging the report stated that he is currently on leave. “I am on leave, you may reach out to Dr Dominic Okidi for further handling,” Dr Benson stated.
Dr Okidi, speaking on behalf of the DHO, said his office had not yet received an official report but stressed the importance of precautionary measures. “We haven’t yet received the formal report, but since Mpox has already been confirmed in the country, I advise everyone to remain cautious. If the patient is at Pajule Health Center, further tests will be done to confirm if it’s Mpox or chickenpox,” he explained.
Mr. Justine Ocen, the district’s health secretary, confirmed that the child had been referred to Pajule Health Center IV for further treatment. “This young child reported to Oryang Health Center II in Pajule Sub-County and was immediately referred to Pajule Health Center IV for further management,” Ocen said.
He noted that while the symptoms have caused alarm among residents, no conclusions should be drawn until laboratory tests are conducted. “The signs and symptoms resemble those of Mpox or chickenpox, but we urge the public not to panic until all investigations are completed,” he added.
Ocen further emphasized the importance of vigilance without inciting fear. “The child is being managed at Pajule Health Center IV, and all efforts are being made by our health officials to determine the cause of the condition. The public will be informed accordingly,” he assured.
Mpox typically presents symptoms such as fever, rash, blisters, and pustules, with severe cases leading to prolonged illness. Since the first confirmed case in Uganda in Kasese on July 24, the outbreak has expanded to 10 confirmed cases as of August 22. While there is no cure for Mpox, supportive care is essential for managing symptoms.
Local health authorities continue to appeal for calm and urge residents to follow hygiene protocols and avoid unnecessary contact with suspected cases as they await test results from UVRI.
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