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Since the outbreak began, one death has been recorded, reflecting a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 0.28%
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By Our Reporter
The cumulative number of confirmed Mpox cases in Uganda has reached 359, according to the Mpox Outbreak Situation Update released on November 3, 2024.
In the past 24 hours, 11 new cases were reported across the districts of Kampala, Mukono, and Wakiso. Of the total confirmed cases, 189 have recovered, while 116 remain hospitalized. Since the outbreak began, one death has been recorded, reflecting a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 0.28%. Additionally, 53 cases are still pending transfer to treatment units.
The virus has now spread to 35 districts. Kampala continues to report the highest number of cases at 149, followed by Wakiso with 60, Nakasongola with 37, Mayuge with 24, Mukono with 19, and Namayingo with 12.
Other affected districts include Kasese, the original epicenter, with 8 cases. Buliisa, Yumbe, Masindi, and Mbarara City have each recorded 4 cases, while Mityana, Maracha, Kabale, and Nakaseke have 3 cases each. Mpigi, Adjumani, Luuka, Tororo, and Jinja City report 2 cases each, with single cases found in Amuru, Isingiro, Kanungu, Lwengo, Kagadi, Dokolo, Hoima City, Lira, Gulu, Kalungu, Kikuube, Nebbi, Luwero, and Mubende.
Active treatment units are currently operating in Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Kasese, Wakiso, Adjumani, Kabale, Isingiro, Buliisa, Kanungu, Dokolo, and Mbarara.
The report indicates that individuals aged 20 to 29 are most affected, with 65 male and 63 female cases
Health Minister’s appeal
In light of the rising cases, Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has urged the public to remain vigilant and act responsibly to help curb the outbreak. Within East Africa, Uganda, along with Congo and Burundi, has reported the highest numbers of Mpox cases, with transmission largely driven by sexual networks, particularly among sex workers.
About Mpox
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral disease primarily found in wild animals like squirrels, rats, mice, and monkeys, and can spread to humans. The monkeypox virus is closely related to the smallpox virus. The incubation period ranges from 5 to 21 days, after which infected individuals may develop symptoms such as a painful rash, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes. While many recover fully, the disease can be severe, especially in children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
The virus can spread between people through direct contact with infected individuals, touching or sharing contaminated materials, or sexual contact. It can also pass from mother to unborn child. Immaculate Atuhairwe, the WHO’s emergency in-charge of health operations, emphasized that while Mpox is treatable and usually resolves within 2 to 4 weeks, it can occasionally lead to severe complications or death.
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