Aceng calls for vigilance as Kampala, Mukono mpox cases rise

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Uganda's health minister, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, has appealed to the public to be vigilant and live responsibly in an effort to stem the spread of mpox.  

In East Africa, DR Congo, Uganda and Burundi have the highest number of mpox cases that are being driven by sex, majorly through sex workers.

The cumulative number of confirmed mpox cases in Uganda has risen to 359, according to the Mpox Outbreak in Uganda Situation update of November 3, 2024.

Notably, a total of 11 new cases were reported within 24 hours, and these were captured in the districts of Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso.

One death has been recorded since the outbreak which translates into a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 0.28%. A total of 53 cases are yet to be moved to the treatment unit, the same report has indicated.

Mpox has spread to 35 Ugandan districts, including Kampala with cases at 149, followed by Wakiso with 60, Nakasongola with 37, Mayuge with 24, Mukono with 19 and Namayingo with 12.

Kasese district where the outbreak stemmed from has eight cases. Meanwhile, Buliisa, Yumbe, Masindi and Mbarara City have registered 4 cases each. Mityana, Maracha, Kabale and Nakaseke have recorded 3 cases each. Mpigi, Adjumani, Luuka, Tororo and Jinja City have registered two cases each.

Districts of Amuru, Isingiro, Kanungu, Lwengo, Luuka, Kagadi, Dokolo, Hoima City, Lira, Gulu, Kalungu, Kikuube, Luuka, Nebbi, Luwero and Mubende have recorded one case each.

Treatment units with active admissions are in the districts of Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Kasese, Wakiso, Adjumani, Kabale, Isingiro, Buliisa Kanungu, Dokolo and Mbarara.

The same report shows both male with 65 cases and females with 63 in the age category of 20 to 29 days are the most hit.