Health ministry confirms two cases of imported Mpox in Uganda

KASESE, August 5, 2024  – The Ministry of Health has confirmed two new cases of Monkeypox [Mpox] in Kasese district which were imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC].

According to the statement released by the ministry on Friday, the disease was confirmed after samples were taken from the two individuals, a 37-year-old woman from Mpondwe Lhubiriha town council who is married to a Congolese man and a 22-year-old Congolese woman from Bunyiswa II village, Bwera Subcounty, Kasese district.

The Uganda Virus Research Institute [UVRI] confirmed the presence of Mpox virus after testing samples taken from the two individuals on July 24, 2024.

“Both individuals presented with symptoms such as skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, and general malaise which are consistent with Mpox,” Dr. Henry Mwebesa, Director General of Health Services said in a statement.

According to Mwebesa, findings reveal that transmission did not take place in Uganda, and to date, no secondary transmission has been linked to the two cases.

In a statement Mwebesa adds that a rapid response team has been deployed to Kasese district to collaborate with local authorities in managing the situation and currently nine contacts are under follow up to monitor any potential symptoms.

Uganda is closely monitoring the situation in Congo where Mpox has been reported in all provinces.

Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, which is closely related to smallpox. It spreads through direct physical contact with an infected person, contaminated materials or infected animals.

According to World Health Organisation [WHO], as of May 26, 2024, DRC had registered 7,851 Mpox cases including 384 deaths, due to the new variant of clad I MPXV.

According to the ministry of health, the common symptoms of Mpox include skin rash which can last up to four weeks, fever, general weakness, soar throat, headache, muscle pain, back pain and swollen lymph nodes.

Mpox can be prevented by avoiding physical contact with someone who has signs and symptoms of Mpox, not sharing clothes, bedding or other personal materials with an infected person, wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer before or after touching soar or open wounds and vaccination.

https://thecooperator.news/eac-calls-for-heightened-public-awareness-to-combat-spread-of-monkeypox/

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