Kabale, Uganda | Health authorities have reported two confirmed cases of Mpox in Kabale district.
Alfred Besigensi, the Kabale District Health Officer, stated that both patients are currently receiving treatment at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital. One case was identified at Kahondo Health Centre III in Maziba sub-county, while the other was detected at Kamuganguzi Health Centre III in Kamuganguzi sub-county earlier this week. Samples sent to the Uganda Virus Research Institute tested positive for Mpox.
Besigensi noted that the patients are responding well to treatment. Additionally, eight suspected cases are under isolation at Kamuganguzi Health Centre III as they await test results.
Dr. Gilbert Mateeka, also a Kabale District Health Officer, urged community members to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases for proper management. He highlighted that the district health department has ramped up surveillance efforts to prevent further transmission of the disease.
Uganda recorded its first Mpox case in July 2024, following an outbreak that was initially declared in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, manifests symptoms such as a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. The virus can spread through direct contact with infected individuals via touch, kissing, or sexual activity, as well as through contact with infected animals during hunting, skinning, or cooking.
Contaminated materials like sheets, clothing, or needles can also transmit the virus, and pregnant individuals can pass it to their unborn babies.
Symptoms of Mpox include a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and fatigue.
