Investigation of unexplained cluster of deaths, Mubende, Kyankwanzi, and Kakumiro districts, June—September 2025
Author: Michael Mutegeki, 1Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Field Epidemiology Track, Tel: 0787882985, Email: mutegekim@uniph.go.ug.
On September 3, 2025, a team of Fellows from the Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program were deployed to Mubende region to investigate a cluster of unexplained deaths following an alert received by the Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (RPHEOC) on 7th August 2025. The team conducted an investigation through house to house search, reviewed health facility records, carried out laboratory testing and environmental assessment. The investigation and laboratory tests confirmed Plasmodium falciparum malaria as the causative agent, while ruling out viral hemorrhagic fevers, bacterial pathogens, and toxicological agents.
Based on these findings, several public health actions were implemented to contain the outbreak and prevent further deaths. Case management capacity was strengthened through reorientation of health workers especially private clinics. Community-based Village Health Teams (VHTs) were mobilized to support early identification and referral of suspected cases. District led re-distribution of mosquito nets was initiated, alongside health education campaigns to promote early health-seeking behavior and reduce reliance on self-medication and informal providers. These interventions were coordinated and overseen by the District Health Teams in collaboration with the Mubende Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
