The Ministry of Health has enhanced surveillance and public awareness to reduce the increasing number of MPOX cases.
Uganda is facing an escalating outbreak of MPOX with 262 reported cases across 28 districts. Kampala remains the hardest-hit area, recording 102 cases, followed by Wakiso and Mukono with 38 and 10 cases, respectively. The Kampala metropolitan area alone accounts for 150 of the total cases.
Mpox (monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.
On Thursday, October 31st, 2024, Ministry of Health, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, while briefing the journals, highlighted the need to avoid stigmatization of affected individuals. He says the public should focus on promoting public health measures to prevent further spread of the virus.
Kyabayinze revealed that the Ministry plans to enhance surveillance and risk communication strategies, which include public awareness campaigns to educate communities about Mpox transmission and prevention methods.
On October 28, 2024, Uganda reported a cumulative total of 222 confirmed Mpox cases, with one death recorded. The outbreak has affected multiple districts, with Kampala being notably impacted.