Kabale Regional Referral Hospital in Southwestern Uganda has confirmed the admission of at least five COVID-19 patients, sparking an appeal for public caution to prevent the spread of the pandemic. Dr. Anne Marion Natumutebi, speaking to the press on Wednesday, revealed that since the final weeks of December 2023, the hospital has recorded eight cases, with one patient discharged and four currently undergoing medication.
Most of the newly infected patients presented with flu-like symptoms, cough, and related conditions. Dr. Namutebi expressed skepticism about the persistence of COVID-19, comparing it to other influenza viruses. The hospital has designated the medical ward as an isolation center in response to the latest developments.
“We are hopeful that widespread vaccination will mitigate the impact, but unfortunately, many people in Uganda are not fully vaccinated, and some have not received any vaccination at all. Therefore, we anticipate continued variations of COVID-19 in our community,” explained Dr. Namutebi, emphasizing the importance of vaccination.
Kabale Hospital epidemiologist Henry Kanya revealed that 54 percent of the population in the Kigezi sub-region, equivalent to 400,253 people, have received vaccination against the viral disease. Alfred Besigensi, the Kabale District Health Educator, stressed the significance of public participation in vaccination and adherence to safety measures.
“We urge the public to get vaccinated, practice mask-wearing, use sanitizers, and avoid crowded places to curb the virus’ spread,” Besigensi urged.
Despite the WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declaring the end of the global health emergency for COVID-19 on May 5, 2023, he emphasized that the virus remained a global health threat. Countries were advised to transition from emergency mode to managing COVID-19 alongside other infectious diseases. By November 2023, 72 percent of people worldwide had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with 13.6 billion doses administered globally, significantly reducing severe illness and hospitalizations.
