The Ministry of Health (MOH) has asked the general public to practice vigilance after two cases of monkeypox (Mpox) were confirmed in Kasese district.
The Ministry of Health said that there are two imported cases of Mpox from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to Kasese district. This was verified following the collection of samples from two people, including a 37-year-old woman married to a male Congolese citizen from Mpondwe Lhubiriha town council. The second, from Bunywisa II village in Bwera sub-county, Kasese district, is a 22-year-old female Congolese citizen.
According to the ministry, the results showed that there was no transmission in Uganda, and the two cases have not been connected to any secondary transmission so far.
In a letter dated August 2, 2024, the Director General of Health Services, Dr. Henry G. Mwebesa, urged the public to remain calm and vigilant and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility or call the Ministry of Health toll-free line for further investigation.
He further provided a brief guideline on what Mpox is, the common symptoms, and how it can be prevented, noting that Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a rare viral disease caused by the Mpox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.
He added that Mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal or by handling materials that have been in contact with someone who has Mpox. To prevent Mpox infection and spread, Dr. Mwebesa urged the public to take steps like getting vaccinated, avoiding close skin-to-skin contact, avoiding contact with objects and materials that a person with Mpox has touched, and washing hands often.
Dr. Mwebesa further said that a rapid response team from the Ministry of Health has been sent to Kasese district to collaborate with district teams in an effort to contain the imported Mpox. He added that nine contacts have been followed up on so far.
Uganda continues to monitor the evolving situation in the DRC, where cases have been reported in nearly all provinces, the latest being North Kivu, specifically in Goma.
