The Minister of Health, Jane Ruth Aceng, has revealed to Ugandans that the country is following closely behind the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi in the number of confirmed cases of the highly viral disease (Mpox) in Africa.

Aceng said this on Friday, October 25, 2024, during the 30th Annual Health Sub-Program Joint Review Mission at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

Minister Aceng highlighted a quite fast trend in mpox cases across the country, citing that at least 19 districts have been affected since the outbreak was declared in early August 2024.

She warned that the mpox outbreak is quickly spreading in the East African countries.

“They [cases] are a little too many. In the last few days, the numbers of confirmed cases are increasing quite fast. I want to remind the districts to reactivate the taskforces and do your work. The development partners on the ground will support you. We all must rise up to the job and ensure that we control monkeypox as quickly as possible,” Aceng said.

Read Also: Uganda Prisons Establish Mpox Isolation Center after Confirming Three Cases among Inmates

Uganda on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, confirmed its first mpox death as the increasing number of laboratory-confirmed infections hit 164 in the country.

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which spreads through close contact. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, skin rash, and back pain.

Read Also: MoH Tips Ugandans on How to Curb MPOX Spread

In August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, highlighting its potential for further global transmission.