Oyam, (UG):- A patient diagnosed with Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) in Oyam District has been discharged after making a full recovery, DailyExpress understands.
The positive case, a 16-year-old male and pupil of St Kizito Nursery and Primary School in Myene Sub County was confirmed on 9th November 2024. The case was treated from a case management site at Anyeke HCIV for over 14 days.
Dr Caroline Agaro, the Assistant District Health Officer (DHO) of Oyam, told DailyExpress that the patient had tested negative and was released from isolation. However, she noted that tracing the contacts of the patient would continue as a precautionary measure.
Dr Patrick Omara, the Incharge of Anyeke Health IV, confirmed that the patient’s tests showed they were fit for discharge. “He has progressed very well. And we think, according to our examination, it is fit for discharge,” Omara said.
“We are prepared to have the psychosocial team reach the family, reach the community, and tell them that the patient is now free and will not transmit any disease,” he added.
Meanwhile, Benson Dila, the Oyam LC5 Chairman, emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to preventive measures to curb the spread of Mpox. “The community need not panic because the confirmed case has tested negative. However, no greeting and frequent hand washing still remain paramount to prevent Mpox,” Mr Dila said.
Denis Emor Olum, the Health Inspector and the Surveillance Focal Person for Oyam District assure the population of Oyam District that the situation is under control. “We have a line-listed contact that has been together with him, about 65 of them, and we are going to make follow-up on them for the next 21 days to see if any will present with similar signs and symptoms,” Emor said.
On Wednesday 20th November 2024, Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng said that the country had over 495 confirmed cases of Mpox with one death recorded.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral disease which is spread both between humans and animals. Among them are squirrels, mice, rats and monkeys. These are animals that serve as reservoirs for Mpox virus. When we get in contact with such animals or when we eat them, those that have Mpox virus, we can acquire infection from such animals. And now once a human being is infected or has the disease, the disease can spread from one person to another through contact.
It can be direct physical contact or indirect contact. Indirect contact is through getting in contact with contaminated materials that have been used by someone who is having Mpox disease.
Monkeypox, presents with rashes in the body, with a sore throat, it presents with a fever that does not respond.
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