Uganda has recorded 33 new cases of mpox, bringing the cumulative total to 69 confirmed cases, according to a statement by a top health official.
Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, the Director of Public Health at the Ugandan Ministry of Health, shared the update in a telephone interview with Xinhua, highlighting the growing number of infections in various districts across the country. The new cases were reported in 11 affected districts and, notably, the virus is mainly being transmitted through sexual contact.
Kyabayinze pointed out that the central district of Nakasongola, situated about 117 kilometers north of Kampala, has emerged as a hotspot for the virus, registering 21 of the newly confirmed cases.
Nakasongola’s high infection rate is linked to activities in local bars and lodging facilities, which are popular among the fishing community. The Ministry of Health has indicated that these gatherings, particularly in areas frequented by high-risk groups, have been a key driver of the virus’s spread.
The Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international partners, has stepped up preventive efforts to contain the spread of mpox.
These efforts include enhanced surveillance, improved case management, risk communication, and community engagement. Public awareness campaigns are also underway to educate the population about the symptoms and transmission of mpox, with a particular focus on reducing high-risk behaviors that contribute to its spread.
The government has taken a proactive stance in addressing the outbreak. As part of their strategy, authorities are working to ensure that individuals in high-risk communities, such as those involved in the fishing industry and other informal sectors, are made aware of the virus’s potential dangers and the importance of preventive measures. They have also intensified health checks and increased monitoring in districts with high infection rates, such as Nakasongola.
In August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern. This declaration was made to raise global awareness of the virus’s potential for widespread transmission, and to encourage international cooperation in mitigating its spread.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is transmitted through close physical contact, including sexual activity. The virus can spread from person to person through direct contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and infected skin lesions, or by touching contaminated objects. Common symptoms of mpox include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, back pain, and a characteristic skin rash.
Although mpox was once considered a rare disease primarily confined to certain regions in Africa, recent outbreaks have raised concerns about its potential for international transmission. The WHO’s emergency declaration emphasizes the need for global vigilance and a coordinated response to prevent further outbreaks.