Mpox: Kampala leads as 37 cases reported in 24 hours
Among the affected districts Kampala is leading with 129 confirmed pox cases, followed by Wakiso with 49, Nakasongola with 43, Mayuge with 23, Namayingo with 11 and Mukono with 14.
One death has been recorded since the outbreak, hence translating into a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 0.31%. (File photo)
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
Thirty-seven new confirmed Mpox cases have been reported in 24 hours, bringing the cumulative number to 324 since the outbreak hit the country, the Mpox Outbreak in Uganda Situation update of November 1, 2024, has revealed.
Notably, 34 districts have been affected, and the new confirmed Mpox cases were identified in the districts of Wakiso, Kampala, Mukono, Yumbe, Mayuge, Jinja, Nakasongola, Mubende, Mbarara, Luwero and Kikuube.
Among the affected districts Kampala is leading with 129 confirmed pox cases, followed by Wakiso with 49, Nakasongola with 43, Mayuge with 23, Namayingo with 11 and Mukono with 14.
One death has been recorded since the outbreak, hence translating into a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 0.31%.
A total of 29 cases are yet to be moved to the treatment unit, according to the same report.
The other affected districts, include Kasese where the outbreak stemmed with eight cases and Nakaseke with five. Meanwhile, Buliisa, Yumbe and Masindi have registered four cases each. Mityana, Mbarara city and Maracha have recorded three cases each. Mpigi, Adjumani Kabale and Jinja City have registered two cases each.
Mpox Update November 1, 2024 Uganda
Districts of Amuru, Isingiro, Kanungu, Lwengo, Luuka, Kagadi, Dokolo, Hoima City, Lira, Tororo, Gulu, Kalungu, Kikuube, Luuka, Nebbi, Luwero and Mubende 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.
The same report shows both males (63 cases) and females (58) in the age category of 20 to 29 years are the most hit.
Prevention tips
-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.
-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, who 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.