KAMPALA, Uganda | The Ministry of Health has issued a warning regarding the rapid spread of mpox (monkeypox) cases in Uganda. During the 30th Annual Health Sub-Program Joint Review Mission held recently, Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng reported a "significant increase" in mpox cases, with at least 19 districts impacted since the outbreak was declared in early August.
Aceng noted that Uganda is now closely trailing behind the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi in the number of confirmed mpox cases in Africa. "The number of confirmed cases has been rising swiftly in recent days," she stated. "I urge all districts to reactivate their task forces and take action. Our development partners are ready to assist, but we must all work together to control monkeypox effectively."
On Wednesday, Uganda recorded its first death attributed to mpox, bringing the total number of laboratory-confirmed infections to 164.
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, primarily spread through close contact. Symptoms typically include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, skin rashes, and back pain.
In August, the World Health Organization declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, underscoring its potential for further global spread.
