Kole, Uganda– Health officials in Kole District are investigating a suspected outbreak of chickenpox following the death of a 4-year-old child in Okwerodot Sub-County.
The incident has raised concerns among residents as the community grapples with the mysterious illness.
According to Dr. Moses Ray Ogwang, Kole’s District Health Officer (DHO), the outbreak surfaced two weeks ago, with Ayile B Village in Lwala Parish and Okwerodot Sub-County reporting several cases.
Six cases have been recorded so far, with one child succumbing to the illness after being referred to Lira Regional Referral Hospital.
“Chickenpox rarely causes fatalities, so we’re not ruling out other possibilities,” Dr. Ogwang said. “Samples have been sent to the virus institute to confirm the exact cause.”
While some residents fear the outbreak might be Mpox, Dr. Ogwang reassured them, stating that the symptoms align more closely with chickenpox.
Denis Obol, Secretary for Health and Education in Kole District, has urged residents to adopt preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.
He emphasized personal hygiene and early medical intervention.
“We’re asking everyone to regularly wash their hands with soap, avoid unnecessary physical contact, and take children to health facilities at the first sign of symptoms,” Obol advised.
He described these steps as essential to stopping the disease from spreading further.
In the wake of the outbreak, health officials are conducting community sensitization campaigns to educate residents on the signs of chickenpox and how to manage the illness.
Parents have been particularly encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritize the health of their children.
Meanwhile, the death of the child has left many in the community shaken, with residents calling for swift action to prevent further loss of life.
Kole District officials remain focused on addressing the outbreak while keeping the public informed as they awaits test results from the virus institute.
“This is a serious situation, but we are confident that with proper precautions and early action, we can manage it effectively,” Dr. Ogwang concluded.
Residents are being urged to cooperate with health officials, as the district works to understand and contain the illness.
