Arua City health officials have enlisted the support of bodaboda cyclists to ramp up community awareness about Mpox, following the confirmation of a positive case in the area. This initiative aims to enhance risk communication and curb the spread of the virus.
The city's health department reported a suspected Mpox case on November 29. The patient, a 24-year-old woman from Pangisa Ward, Arua City, fell ill while working at the Elegu border. Her samples, tested at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, returned positive on December 4.
Alias Mohammad, the Health Sub-District Surveillance Officer, revealed that 52 individuals who had contact with the patient are currently being monitored for symptoms. “In surveillance, every alert, even if false, is critical,” he emphasized. The contact cases originate from high-risk areas within the city, including Oyoze Cell, Kibir, Pajulu Alivu, Pangisa, Asuru, Olide, and Oli D.
Since Mpox was first identified in Uganda, Arua City has recorded 32 alerts, with 19 cases investigated and one confirmed positive. The densely populated central division of Arua City, according to Senior Health Educator Bernard Amaga, poses a higher risk for virus transmission.
To expedite the spread of information, the health department has recruited bodaboda riders to act as grassroots mobilizers. Equipped with visibility jackets bearing Mpox awareness messages, groups of 10–15 riders will disseminate critical information for a week before rotating with new teams. “The riders’ networks ensure faster reach to the communities,” Amaga explained.
In addition, 100 Village Health Team (VHT) members have been trained to identify suspected cases, share prevention tips, and refer individuals for medical attention.
Amaga also cautioned residents to adopt preventive measures, such as avoiding risky behaviors, washing hands frequently, and limiting unnecessary movement during the festive season. He noted that handwashing rates in the city have dropped to 22.5% since the peak of COVID-19 but emphasized its importance in controlling Mpox.
Uganda confirmed its first Mpox case on July 24, 2024, and has since reported over 900 cases across 56 districts, with 141 new cases in the last nine days. Mpox, a disease resembling smallpox, presents symptoms such as fever, chills, and a rash, which may take weeks to heal.
Health authorities urge vigilance and prompt reporting of suspected cases to ensure timely management and control of the virus. Mpox is deadly because it causes severe flu-like symptoms, painful rashes, and potential complications like secondary infections, pneumonia, or encephalitis. Its high transmissibility through contact exacerbates outbreaks, especially in areas with limited healthcare resources or delayed diagnosis and treatment.
