SUMBAWANGA: SUMBAWANGA District Commissioner (DC), Mr Nyakia Chirukie, has urged health officials to take immediate action in combating the spread of Mpox disease.
During a recent Primary Health Care Committee (PHC) meeting in Sumbawanga Municipality, Mr Chirukie stressed the need for heightened vigilance, given that the Rukwa region borders the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) across Lake Tanganyika.
He directed health officials to implement necessary measures, including conducting seminars to educate the public on Mpox prevention and to encourage the reporting of suspected cases to nearby health facilities.
“Health officials must ensure that adequate logistics are in place to combat Mpox and hold informative seminars to raise awareness about precautions and the importance of reporting suspected cases,” Mr Chirukie said.
He further highlighted the importance of preventive measures, saying: “Our focus should now be on prevention. It’s crucial that communities are educated on the best ways to prevent the disease, as prevention is always better than cure.”
The Acting Sumbawanga Municipal Director, Mr Nasir Kivushe, echoed the DC’s sentiments, insisting that awareness and education on precautionary measures were vital to tackling the disease effectively.
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Sumbawanga Municipal Medical Officer in Charge, Dr Robert Rwebangira reinforced the importance of preventive actions.
He advised the public to report any symptoms of Mpox to the nearest health facility and to avoid contact with bodily fluids or the skin of individuals showing symptoms.
Dr Rwebangira also urged people to refrain from shaking hands, hugging, or kissing anyone exhibiting signs of the disease.
Dr Rwebangira explained that Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is caused by the Monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as the virus responsible for smallpox.
The infection spreads through close contact, often leading to flu-like symptoms and a painful rash. While most cases are mild, the disease can be fatal in some instances.
