By Steven Enatu
The Ministry of Health has placed 26 districts under close surveillance due to the ongoing Mpox outbreak, with 23 districts classified as high-risk.
The affected areas include 17 districts bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), five districts hosting DRC refugees, and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan area. Uganda has recorded 10 Mpox cases, with four recoveries. The cases are spread across various regions, including three cases each in Kasese and Mayuge, one case in Amuria, one case in Wakiso, and two cases in Kampala. Of the confirmed cases, 60% are male and 40% female. Additionally, 49 contacts are under close monitoring.
Despite the outbreak, the Ministry of Health assures that the country remains safe for travel and trade. Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng stated, “There is no cause for alarm. We invite you to visit and enjoy the Pearl of Africa.” The ministry has secured 2,000 vaccine doses, to be administered to 10,000 people, and has intensified surveillance efforts.
Dr. Henry Kyobe, Team Lead for Mpox Management, highlighted that Kasese and over 20 districts bordering the DRC are high-risk zones. He also noted that truck drivers and sex workers face an increased risk of contracting the disease.
The ministry advises that Mpox can spread through human-to-human contact, contact with contaminated materials, mother-to-child transmission, and contact with affected animals. Ugandans are encouraged to follow health guidelines and stay informed about Mpox prevention strategies to ensure the health and safety of both individuals and communities.
The ministry is considering deploying two types of vaccines: MVA-BN, a two-dose regimen approved by the US FDA for adults, and LC16, approved by Japan for both adults and children.