Kalaki District has become the second district in the Teso Subregion to report Monkeypox (Mpox), following three confirmed cases in Katakwi District last week. According to Dr. Anthony Eriatu, the Kalaki District Health Officer, the infection was detected at Kalaki Health Centre III after laboratory tests confirmed the virus.
Dr. Eriatu stated that the case originated in Tororo District before being identified in Kalaki. “Our surveillance team is on the ground and handling the issue,” he said. Last week, Katakwi confirmed three Mpox cases, bringing the district’s total number of infections to four.
The rising cases have heightened vigilance in the region, with health officials emphasizing the importance of hygiene and sanitation. Authorities in both Kalaki and Katakwi have urged the public to limit long-distance travel and seek medical attention for symptoms such as body pains, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, skin rashes, and fever.
Dr. Simon Ichumar Omeke, the Katakwi District Health Officer, said officials in the two districts are currently monitoring 23 contacts. Surveillance teams have been assigned to track potential infections, with targeted awareness campaigns in schools that reopened on February 3, 2025.
Mpox cases have been increasing across Uganda, with the Ministry of Health reporting 2,209 confirmed cases and 13 deaths since July 2024.