Mpox confirmed cases rise to 288

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The number of confirmed Mpox cases in Uganda has now reached 288, affecting mostly adolescents and youth, the Mpox Outbreak in Uganda Situation update of October 30, 2024.

Kampala has the highest number of confirmed Mpox cases, totalling 121. It is followed by Nakasongola with 42 cases, Wakiso with 36, Mayuge with 21, and Namayingo with 11 cases.

Notably, 29 districts have been affected, and there were twenty-five (25) new confirmed cases reported within 24 hours. These were in Kampala, Mayuge, Nakaseke, Namayingo, and Wakiso districts. Of those, Kampala recorded twenty (20) new Mpox cases in a space of 24 hours (20).

Twenty-nine districts have been affected, and there were twenty-five (25) new confirmed cases reported within 24 hours. (AFP photo)

Sadly, one death has been recorded translating into a case fatality rate of 0.35%. A total of 18 patients are yet to be moved to the treatment unit.

The other affected districts include Mukono, which has recorded 9 cases; Kasese, where the outbreak originated with 8 cases; and Nakaseke, which has reported 5 cases so far. Additionally, both Buliisa and Masindi have registered 4 cases each, while Mityana and Maracha have recorded 2 cases each.

Mbarara City, Mpigi, Adjumani and Kabale have registered two cases each. Districts of Amuru, Isingiro, Kanungu, Lwengo, Luuka, Kagadi, Dokolo, Hoima City, Lira, Tororo, Gulu, and Nebbi have recorded one case each.

Treatment units with active admissions are in the districts of Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Kasese, Wakiso, Adjumani, Kabale, Isingiro, Buliisa Kanungu, Dokolo and Mbarara.

Sex and age distribution of confirmed cases

The same report shows both males with 43 and females with 40 in the age category of 20 to 29 days are most hit.  This is followed by 17 females and 28 males in the age brackets of 30 to 39 years.

The report indicates that students are contributing the highest number of the Mpox confirmed cases. These are followed by fishermen, bar attendants, commercial sex workers, and roadside vendors among others. The men are most affected compared to their female counterparts.

The director of public health at the Ministry of Health Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze said although the Mpox numbers continue to increase, the biggest challenge is that not every infected individual can be linked to a source. This implies that there are so many infection cells or lines that they are not able to track at the moment. In regard, Dr. Kyabayinze said there is a need to increase surveillance.

He faulted people who are quietly being infected and only report to health facilities when the disease has flared up and cannot reveal where they picked the infection.

Currently, 189 patients have recovered and a total of 81 patients admitted to treatment units.

Dr Kyabayinze said we should have zero new cases so that we know that we are starting to break the chain of transmission. “As long as new cases are being reported, it means the infection is still ongoing, the transmission is happening,” he said.

To contain the spread of Mpox, the social behavioural change technical officer risk communication and community engagement at the Health Ministry Tabley Bakyaita urged the public to adhere to the standard operating procedures.

Bakyaita listed the prevention tips below:

-Observe a high level of hygiene by washing hands regularly using soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand rub, and regularly clean contaminated surfaces.

Observe a high level of hygiene by washing hands regularly using soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand rub, and regularly clean contaminated surfaces.(AFP photo)

-If you are already infected, isolate yourself so as not to infect others.

-Do not share personal effects such as towels, beddings, clothing, and sharp instruments such as razor blades, and needles, among others.

Avoid shaking hands, hugging, kissing and pecking.

-Mpox is also transmitted through sexual networks, as such you should be faithful to your spouses and partners.

-When infected with Mpox you should avoid sexual activity until skin rash clears. If you are recovering from Mpox it is advisable to practice safer sex by using condoms for 12 weeks (3 months), according to WHO recommendations, she notes.

Understanding Mpox

Mpox (monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It takes 5 to 21 days for the infected person to develop signs and symptoms, also termed as incubation period. The disease can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.

Anyone can get Mpox. It spreads from contact with infected persons, through touch, kissing, or sex animals, when hunting, skinning, or cooking materials, such as contaminated sheets, clothes or needles. Pregnant persons may pass the virus on to their unborn baby.

Background

On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern. This was the second time in 2 years that reclassified Mpox to this highest level of response.

The global alert was preceded by a declaration by the African CDC on August 13, 2024, recognizing Mpox as a public health emergency of continental security. These declarations underline the seriousness of the situation and the need for concerted efforts to curb the spread of the disease.