The Mpox response team has reported a significant rise in Mpox cases across Uganda, with infections increasing from 925 in December last year to 1,571 by January 6, marking a 70% spike in less than a month. The outbreak, first confirmed in Uganda in July, has also seen cumulative deaths rise from six to ten over the same period.
According to the report, Wakiso District recorded the highest number of new cases (17), while Kampala and Lira reported one case each. The Kampala Metropolitan Area remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 1,095 cases, or more than 60% of the total infections in the country. Within the region, Kampala City leads with 808 cases and one death, followed by Wakiso (246 cases) and Mukono (41 cases).
Outside the metropolitan area, Nakasongola District has reported the highest number of cases (77), followed by Mbarara City (44) and Hoima City (13).
Festive Season and Commercial Sex Activity Blamed
Dr. Henry Kyobe, the Mpox incident commander at the Ministry of Health, attributed the surge in infections to increased social activities during the festive season and the prevalence of commercial sex work.
“It is an increasing trend characteristically linked to the festive season, where we believe there was a lot of social interaction,” Dr. Kyobe explained. “The infections are primarily driven by commercial sex activity, where individuals get exposed and then spread the virus further.”
Dr. Kyobe emphasized the need to curb commercial sex activity as a critical step in controlling the outbreak. “We are working closely with commercial sex workers, urging them to halt their activities to interrupt transmission,” he said.
His comments come shortly after President Museveni donated Shs100 million to a Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (Sacco) for commercial sex workers in Mbale, raising questions about the alignment of such support with public health efforts.
Warnings on Condom Ineffectiveness
Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng reiterated that condoms do not provide sufficient protection against Mpox. “Do not be deceived. Condoms cannot protect you from Mpox,” she stated. “This strain, Clade 1b, is primarily sexually transmitted. To protect yourself, avoid risky sexual behavior and limit contact with infected individuals.”
Dr. Aceng also warned about the potential for transmission through non-sexual means, such as sharing clothing, beddings, or contaminated surfaces. She advised the public to maintain hygiene by washing hands, sanitizing, and avoiding sharing personal items.
Understanding Mpox
Mpox, characterized by painful sores on the skin, including the face and private parts, can persist for up to four weeks. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. The virus can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy or to a newborn during childbirth.
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, ensuring proper nutrition and hydration, and addressing co-infections like HIV, according to the World Health Organization. As the outbreak persists, health experts urge vigilance and adherence to preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.
