Mpox situation overview: Kiryandongo District and Hoima City, April 2025
Authors: Patrick Kwizera, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program-Field Epidemiology Training Program - Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda, Tel: +256 782 822 220, Email: pkwizera@uniph.go.ug
Following re-emergent mpox outbreaks in Uganda during 2024–2025, a rapid assessment was conducted in Kiryandongo District and Hoima City in April 2025. The team reviewed medical records at high-burden facilities including Kiryandongo Hospital, Panyadoli HC IV, Kigumba HC III, and Hoima Regional Referral Hospital—and held interviews with health workers, district surveillance teams, and Village Health Teams (VHTs).
As of April 18, 2025, Kiryandongo District reported 28 confirmed mpox cases, with 55% from host communities and 45% from refugee populations. Affected individuals included both Ugandans and refugees, highlighting the district’s cross-border vulnerability. Active home-based care was ongoing for three adolescent cases; all students were likely exposed at school.
Preliminary findings indicate ongoing transmission, with the first case traced to a refugee camp in January 2025, followed by spread within host communities. The situation underscores the importance of cross-sectoral coordination in refugee-hosting districts, timely case detection, and targeted school-based health messaging.
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