The Ministry of health has heightened surveillances across the country against Monkey pox. On Monday, Uganda announced it has no confirmed case of monkey pox disease.
Henry Mwebesa, the Director General of health services, said although Uganda has not registered any case, there is a need to increase surveillance after the disease spread to 23 non-endemic countries worldwide and eight endemic countries in Africa, including neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
He says the ministry of health is working closely with partners to monitor the evolving situation of the Monkey pox outbreak in different parts of the world,” he said in a statement issued in Kampala, the capital.
Monkey pox is a viral disease transmitted from animals to humans and is caused by the Monkey pox virus.
It’s transmitted from one person to another by close contact with body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials like beddings, eating inadequate cooked meat and other animal products of infected animals is also a possible risk factor.
The incubation period of moneybox ranges from 6 to 13 days. Research shows that 3-6 % of people succumb to the disease.
Signs and symptoms of the Monkey pox disease include, fever, rash, intense headache, swelling of the lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches and general body weakness.
It should also be noted that Sometimes symptoms may disappear even without treatment. The most vulnerable groups of people are the children and individuals with a low immunity system.
According to Ministry of health, Monkey pox can be prevented by avoiding physical contact or direct contact including sexual contact.
If someone is suspected of having Monkey pox, they should isolate and stay at home or in an appropriate facility until the disease is managed.
The general public is therefore advised to remain vigilant and report any suspected patients to the nearest health worker immediately or alternatively, one can call Ministry of Health on toll free lone 0800100066 or send a text message to 6767.