Uganda Reports 4,342 Mpox Cases, Death Toll Reaches 31

Synopsis

The Ugandan Ministry of Health has reported that the total number of mpox cases has risen to 4,342, with 31 related deaths since the outbreak began eight months ago. Recent measures to curb the virus's spread include enhanced surveillance and public awareness campaigns.

Key Takeaways

Mpox cases in Uganda have hit 4,342.
31 deaths linked to mpox have been reported.
Kampala is the epicenter with significant new cases.
WHO declared mpox a public health emergency.
Preventive measures are being intensified by health authorities.

Kampala, March 18 (NationPress) The total number of laboratory-confirmed mpox cases in Uganda has now reached 4,342, with 31 fatalities reported since the outbreak was declared in the East African nation eight months ago, as stated by the Ugandan Ministry of Health on Tuesday.

In the last 24 hours, there were 25 new cases identified, with the capital city, Kampala, being the epicenter, reporting 12 cases, according to a national situation report released by the ministry.

Health authorities have indicated that the Ministry of Health, with assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and various partners, has ramped up preventive actions, including enhanced surveillance, case management, risk communication, community engagement, and public awareness campaigns to limit the virus's transmission.

In August, the WHO categorized mpox as a public health emergency of international concern, cautioning against its potential for wider international spread.

The WHO describes mpox as an infectious disease that can lead to a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headaches, muscle pain, back pain, and fatigue. While most individuals recover fully, some may become seriously ill, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

Mpox is transmitted from person to person primarily through close contact with an infected individual, including household members. Close contact can involve skin-to-skin and mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin interactions, and may also include being face-to-face with an infected person (such as during conversation or breathing in close proximity, which can create infectious respiratory droplets).

Signs and symptoms of mpox typically emerge within a week but can occur between 1–21 days post-exposure. Symptoms generally last between 2–4 weeks, although they may persist longer in individuals with compromised immune systems.

For some, the initial symptom of mpox is a rash, while others may initially experience a fever, muscle aches, or sore throat.

The mpox rash often begins on the face and then spreads across the body, reaching the palms and soles. It can also appear on other body areas where contact occurs, including the genitals. The rash starts as a flat sore, evolving into a fluid-filled blister that can be itchy or painful. As it heals, lesions dry up, form crusts, and eventually fall off.