Source: https: //www.unicef.org/uganda/sites/unicef.org.uganda/files/styles/hero_extended/public/mpx-localized-ncdc-training-manual.tmb-1366v.webp?itok=qRaiw3X0
On Aug 4, 2024, Uganda reported 2 cases of monkey pox. These two cases were among 6 suspected infections in Mpondwe and Bwera, towns bordering the DRC. The samples were reported to be from a 37-year-old Ugandan woman married to a Congolese national and a 22-years old Congolese woman.
Mpox previously called monkey pox is a zoonotic (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) that occurs primarily from tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions. Mpox is caused by a virus and its symptoms are like those seen in small pox patients though less severe. Its incubation period ranges from 6 to 13 days.
Burundi, Kenya and Rwanda have all reported at least a case. Many other African countries have already reported cases. Cumulatively since the outbreak in June, 2022, the total number of confirmed cases in Africa is at 4,232 with 35 deaths (0.8%).
On Aug 4, 2024, Uganda reported 2 cases of monkey pox. These two cases were among 6 suspected infections in Mpondwe and Bwera, towns bordering the DRC. The samples were reported to be from a 37-year-old Ugandan woman married to a Congolese national and a 22-years old Congolese woman. Tests conducted showed that the two cases were imported not originating from Uganda.
Mpox previously called monkey pox is a zoonotic (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) that occurs primarily from tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions. Mpox is caused by a virus and its symptoms are like those seen in small pox patients though less severe. Its incubation period ranges from 6 to 13 days.
Burundi, Kenya and Rwanda have all reported at least a case. Many other African countries have already reported cases.
Cumulatively since the outbreak in June, 2022, the total number of confirmed cases in Africa is at 4,232 with 35 deaths (0.8%).
Mpox presents with the following features; skin rash, fever, sore throat, intense headache, body aches, back pain, body pain, body weakness, low energy, swollen lymph nodes. At times symptoms can disappear even without treatment but seek medical help once you feel one or two of these symptoms.
Mpox can be spread through the following ways;
Person to person contact. This can happen in one of the several ways; Close contact with skin lesion and body fluids, inhaling contaminated particles (respiratory droplets) or viruses, contaminated materials such as needles, beddings, tattoos, linen, clothings, eating utensils, sex toys etc.
However, the most reported mode of transmission is sexual intercourse.
The following groups of people are at risk of getting monkey pox;
People in close interaction with mpox patients e.g. household members and sexual partners (including commercial sex workers).
People taking care of mpox patients without the correct use of personal protective equipment.
People who hunt, kill, handle, butcher, and prepare animals such as squirrels, rats, mice and monkeys.
People who work in laboratories without the correct use of personal protective equipment.
Children, women and people who may be weak due to other health conditions.
People who have many sexual partners and/ or frequent anonymous sexual partners.
Even though some people at risk more than others, it is important to remember that anyone, anywhere can get monkey pox.
One can protect from mpox through the following ways;
Avoid close (face-to-face, skin-to-skin, mouth-to-skin and mouth-to-mouth) contact with people who have been confirmed to have monkey pox or people who have signs and symptoms of monkey pox.
Avoid touching or sharing personal items like beddings, eating utensils, cloths, phones, or other belongings of a person who has signs and symptoms of monkey pox.
Avoid contact with all wild animals (alive or dead) especially those known to carry the virus, such as rodents or monkeys, and those that appear sick or have been found dead.
Avoid eating wild animals, squirrels, rat, mice and monkeys.
Small pox vaccine can be given to people who come into close contact with infected persons or those at high risk of infections.
The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation and it has put in place the following measures;
Strengthening testing capabilities at Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) to test and accurately diagnose mpox.
Intensified surveillance by all health workers to look out for patients with suspected signs and symptoms of monkey pox and reported to the Ministry of Health through the formal reporting channels.
Intensified Partner and stakeholder engagements with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) including Wild Life Authority to strengthen surveillance both in the animals and human health surveillance.
Several webinars are being organised nationwide to update all the health workers on the current test algorithms for mpox and mpox sample management from sample collection, storage and transportation. The health workers are also being informed about the available mobile laboratories and the major testing centres.
A number of health organisations working in the country such as International Rescue Committee (IRC) that operates in most Refugee Settlements in the country is especially on high alert and doing intensive surveillance on mpox.
Ministry of Health (June, 2022) Uganda Heights Surveillance ahead of Monkey Pox Outbreak https://www.health.go.ug/document/uganda-heights-surveillance-ahead-of-monkeypox-outbreak/
UNICEF (June, 2024) Mpox-Flyer-August_revised.pdf PDF (www.unicef.org)
The East African (Aug 4, 2024) Uganda records two imported mpox cases https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/uganda-records-2-imported-mpox-cases-4712440
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