Kyotera District is battling a deadly outbreak of Mpox, with health officials confirming 17 infections and two fatalities. The outbreak has hit high-risk communities hardest, particularly in areas with large numbers of commercial sex workers, raising serious public health concerns.
The rapid spread of Mpox in Kyotera has exposed gaps in public awareness, resource availability, and cross-border disease surveillance. With health facilities overwhelmed and logistical challenges hampering response efforts, authorities are calling for urgent interventions to curb the outbreak before it escalates further.
Health authorities in Kyotera District are in a race against time to contain an Mpox outbreak that has already infected 17 people and claimed two lives. The virus has been particularly severe in border towns and trading centers, where high human interaction has accelerated transmission.
Dr. Joseph Giriman, the head of epidemic surveillance in the district, revealed that the majority of cases have emerged from high-risk communities, especially areas where commercial sex work is common. “The majority of reported cases are from areas where commercial sex work is prevalent,” Dr. Giriman stated, underlining the urgent need for targeted health interventions in these hotspots.
Kalisizo Hospital, which has admitted 14 Mpox patients, is struggling to manage the crisis due to a lack of resources. Hospital Director Dr. Emmanuel Ssekyeru warned that some patients are leaving before completing treatment, which increases the risk of further community spread. “Our biggest challenge is ensuring proper patient management. Some patients leave before they have fully recovered, which increases the chances of spreading the disease in the community,” he said.
The outbreak has also affected Kakuuto Hospital, where three patients are receiving treatment. The close proximity of Kyotera District to Tanzania has raised fears of cross-border infections, further complicating containment efforts.
Despite the urgency of the situation, health officials face significant obstacles in their response. Dr. Giriman cited low public awareness about Mpox as a major challenge, with many residents unaware of symptoms and preventive measures. Fuel shortages have also hindered health workers from reaching remote areas to trace and manage cases.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Apollo Mugume has urged residents to be vigilant, particularly those working in bars and lodges, which he described as potential breeding grounds for the virus. “Kyotera shares a border with Tanzania, making it even more important to strengthen measures against the spread of Mpox,” Mugume stated. He also advised public transport users to practice good hygiene, including regular hand washing.
Local leaders have also stepped in to address behaviors linked to high infection rates. Dorah Nayiga, the district’s women’s leader, appealed to women to avoid engaging in commercial sex work, which has been identified as a key factor in the outbreak. “We are advising women to prioritize their health and family stability instead of engaging in risky behavior that could expose them to this deadly disease,” Nayiga said.
Residents are growing increasingly anxious as the death toll rises, with many calling for more robust government intervention. Community members have urged authorities to intensify public health education efforts and improve access to treatment in government hospitals.
