Kitgum General Hospital has announced negative test results for two suspected MPOX cases, providing significant relief to the community and healthcare workers.
Dr. Geoffrey Okello, Medical Superintendent of Kitgum General Hospital, confirmed that the Central Emergency Response and Surveillance Laboratory in Kampala released the results on Tuesday evening.
The two individuals, members of the same family, had been isolated at Kitgum General Hospital since Friday after being referred from Labongo Akwang Sub-county in Kitgum District. “We are relieved that the test results have come back negative,” said Dr. Okello in a message to the Kitgum District MPOX Taskforce. “This outcome reflects the dedication and hard work of our healthcare workers in managing the situation effectively.”
The announcement has eased fears of a potential outbreak, which had heightened community concerns and placed healthcare facilities on alert. Titus Komakech, Risk Communication Officer for the Kitgum MPOX District Taskforce, expressed gratitude for the negative results and emphasized the importance of continued vigilance.
“We are thankful for the outcome and urge everyone to remain cautious and adhere to preventive measures to avoid the spread of MPOX,” Komakech stated.
He also confirmed that the two isolated individuals would be released immediately to reunite with their families and celebrate the festive season.
The Kitgum District Health Office, in collaboration with the Uganda Ministry of Health, continues to monitor the situation closely. Authorities have reassured the public of their readiness to handle any suspected cases and emphasized the importance of community awareness in preventing future infections.
The suspected outbreak of Monkeypox was reported in Kitgum District, with two brothers isolated at Kitgum General Hospital on 21st December.
The siblings, aged 5 and 8, were admitted after presenting classic symptoms of the disease. According to Dr. Henry Okello Otto, the Kitgum District Health Officer, the younger brother was brought to the hospital on Friday, prompting the family to also bring in the elder brother, who had been showing similar symptoms but was being managed at home.
Dr. Okello disclosed that preliminary findings showed no history of travel outside Kitgum for the two brothers. However, their uncle had recently returned from Gulu City, raising concerns about potential contact with an infected individual.
Samples from the brothers were sent to Kampala for laboratory testing, with results pending. Dr. Okello noted that this marked the sixth instance of suspected MPOX cases in Kitgum since the disease’s outbreak in Uganda. None of the earlier cases had tested positive.
Thomas Ojok, Senior Administrator at Kitgum General Hospital, assured the public of the facility’s preparedness to manage any MPOX cases. He emphasized that the hospital had holding and isolation centers in place to address the situation effectively.
