Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Uganda’s Ministry of Health has announced that the total number of confirmed mpox cases has surged to 5,431, with 40 deaths reported since the outbreak began nine months ago.
In the latest 24-hour period alone, 44 new cases were recorded. The situation report also noted a rise in the severity of symptoms among hospitalized patients. “The cities and fishing communities exhibit the highest attack rates especially,” the ministry stated, pointing to hotspots like Mbarara City, Kampala, and the fishing districts of Buvuma, Kalangala, and Nakasongola.
The report highlighted that individuals aged 25–29 are the most affected demographic group, underlining the vulnerability of young adults.
The World Health Organization recently warned that Uganda currently has the highest number of community-transmitted mpox cases globally.
In response, the country has ramped up its efforts in surveillance, case management, and public awareness to stem the spread of the virus.
To support these efforts, Uganda received an additional 100,000 mpox vaccine doses from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month.
The second phase of the vaccination campaign, which began on April 2, is prioritizing adults aged 25–35.
Mpox, or monkeypox, is an infectious disease transmitted through close contact, with symptoms including fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, back pain, muscle aches, and a skin rash.
