Health authorities in Moroto District have confirmed an outbreak of mpox after a 28-year-old businesswoman tested positive for the viral disease. The patient, residing in Singila Trading Center within Katikekile Sub-county, had recently traveled and had multiple contacts, with one already showing similar symptoms while others are reportedly located in Moroto Prison barracks.

The Moroto District Health Department announced the confirmed case on Friday, immediately implementing containment protocols. Dr. Charles Onyang Omudu, the district health educator, explained that the woman presented symptoms consistent with mpox, leading to testing that confirmed the diagnosis. Health teams have isolated both the confirmed case and the symptomatic contact at Moroto Regional Referral Hospital while actively tracing additional potential exposures.

Authorities have mobilized disease surveillance teams to identify and test all possible contacts. Dr. Omudu emphasized the importance of vigilance among both healthcare workers and community members, urging immediate reporting of any suspected cases. The public has been warned to avoid close contact with potential cases and to maintain strict hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing and proper handling of potentially contaminated materials.

This outbreak follows a recent mpox occurrence in neighboring Katakwi District, where three cases were confirmed two months prior. Investigations revealed one Katakwi patient was a student at Kasimeri Primary School in Moroto, raising concerns about possible cross-district transmission. Health officials are now examining potential connections between the current Moroto case and the earlier Katakwi outbreak, given the frequent movement between these adjacent districts.

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is caused by the monkeypox virus and can spread through close contact with infected humans, animals, or contaminated materials. The World Health Organization describes typical symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes, often followed by a distinctive painful rash. While rarely fatal, the disease can cause significant discomfort and poses greater risks to immunocompromised individuals.

In response to the outbreak, Moroto health officials have intensified surveillance and public education efforts. Community health workers are conducting awareness campaigns to help residents recognize symptoms and seek prompt medical attention. Dr. Omudu cautioned against stigmatizing affected individuals, stressing that cooperation rather than panic is essential for effective outbreak control.

The Ministry of Health is expected to provide additional support to Moroto, potentially including enhanced testing capacity, case management resources, and expanded contact tracing efforts. While vaccine supplies remain limited nationally, vaccination campaigns may be considered if the outbreak expands.

The situation in Moroto reflects broader concerns about mpox transmission in the region, following sporadic outbreaks across Africa and recent cases in Europe and North America. The World Health Organization has consistently emphasized the importance of robust surveillance and rapid response systems to contain such outbreaks, particularly in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.

As containment efforts continue, health authorities emphasize the critical need for community cooperation. Residents are advised to monitor for symptoms, limit unnecessary physical contact, and seek immediate medical attention if mpox is suspected. Public spaces such as schools and markets may see increased health monitoring to reduce transmission risks.

This outbreak underscores the ongoing challenges of infectious disease control and the importance of sustained public health preparedness. With prompt action and community engagement, health officials aim to contain the current situation while strengthening systems to prevent future outbreaks. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether containment measures prove effective in limiting the spread of the virus within Moroto and surrounding areas.