The Ministry of Health has issued a strict guideline against live sex to curtail the rapid spread of Mpox.

“As long as you are sexually active, protect yourself because the strain in Uganda, Clade 1b, is mainly sexually transmitted,” advised Dr. Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health.

Scientists recommend vaccination, regular hand washing with soap, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and using personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.

The ministry has also urged Ugandans to wear masks and avoid engaging in unregulated sexual activities with commercial sex workers.

Monkeypox (Mpox) causes a painful rash accompanied by skin lesions lasting two to four weeks and also presents symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

Recent statistics highlight the alarming spread of the disease, with suspected cases in Uganda escalating from 925 to 1,571 within a single week, marking a 70% surge.

“Mpox is now an established public health problem,” stated Dr. Kyobe Henry, head of the Mpox Incident Command Center at the ministry.

Disease Transmission and Affected Regions

Mpox, caused by the Clade 1b strain in Uganda, is primarily sexually transmitted but can also spread through shared clothing, bedding, contaminated surfaces, and close contact with infected individuals. Pregnant women are at risk of transmitting the virus to their unborn children. Severe sores can appear across the body, including the face and private areas.

According to the recent statistic issued by the MOH, so far a total of 71 districts have reported Mpox cases and Kampala has recorded the highest number of infections with 808 cases and one death.

Other affected areas include Wakiso (246 cases), Nakasongola (77), Mbarara City (44), Mayuge (27), Luwero (38), Mukono (41), Hoima City (13), Kabale (11), Namayingo (13),Hoima City (13), and Gulu City (4).