Uganda’s Mpox Cases Surge to 22 in Just One Week

Uganda has reported a concerning rise in Mpox cases, with the total doubling in just one week. As of Thursday, the Ministry of Health confirmed 22 cases, up from 11 reported on September 10. Health authorities noted that half of the cases are concentrated in the Kampala Metropolitan area, attributing the spike to overcrowding in the city.

In an update, the Ministry indicated that there have been no fatalities associated with the outbreak. Among the confirmed cases, seven patients have recovered, while 13 are currently in isolation, managing the infectious virus.

Mpox, which can cause symptoms such as a painful rash, fever, and muscle aches, spreads primarily through close contact with infected individuals.

As Uganda grapples with this uptick, neighboring South Sudan remains on high alert after reports of the new strain in several surrounding countries, including Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite testing dozens of samples from patients exhibiting similar symptoms, South Sudan has yet to confirm any Mpox cases, with all tests returning negative.

The country’s public health officials are closely monitoring the situation, with support from the U.S. in the form of Mpox testing kits to enhance their response efforts.