Uganda Confirms First Two Cases of Mpox

Uganda has reported its first two cases of mpox (monkeypox), as confirmed by the Ministry of Health.

The cases were identified in the western border district of Kasese, specifically in the towns of Mpondwe and Bwera.

The individuals affected include a 37-year-old woman from Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council, married to a Congolese national, and a 22-year-old Congolese woman from Bunyiswa II village in Bwera sub-county.

Both patients exhibited symptoms consistent with mpox, such as skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, and general malaise.

Samples taken from these individuals were tested and confirmed by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) on July 24, 2024.

Henry Mwenda, the Director General of Health Services, stated, "Our findings indicate the infections did not take place in Uganda but came from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)."

This assertion underscores that the transmission occurred outside Uganda, and so far, no secondary transmission has been linked to these cases within the country.

In response to the outbreak, a rapid response team has been deployed to Kasese District to manage the situation.

Nine contacts are currently under surveillance to prevent further spread. Uganda is also closely monitoring the situation in the DRC, where nearly all provinces have reported cases of mpox.

As of May 26, 2024, the DRC had reported 7,851 cases, including 384 deaths due to a new variant of clade I MPXV.

Mpox is a viral illness that spreads through physical contact, contaminated materials, or infected animals.

Recently, it has also been reported to spread through sexual contact. Common symptoms include a skin rash lasting up to four weeks, fever, general weakness, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, back pain, and swollen lymph nodes.

To prevent the spread of mpox, health officials advise avoiding physical contact with infected individuals, washing hands frequently, and wearing face masks in crowded indoor spaces.

Vaccination is recommended for those at high risk.

The East African Community (EAC) has called for heightened public awareness and preventive measures across member states, emphasizing the importance of factual risk communication, community engagement, and enhanced surveillance.