49 new Mpox cases reported in Uganda
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Uganda has reported 49 new cases of mox. This brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed mpox cases to 145 in the country. The country’s Health Ministry said on Friday that Kampala, Uganda’s capital, recorded 27 new cases of the disease, the highest number in the East African country over the past week, Xinhua news agency reports.
The ministry confirmed that no deaths have been recorded so far in the country’s 19 affected districts. The World Health Organization (WHO) in Uganda said in a statement that it is supporting the country in efforts to contain the outbreak. WHO said: “WHO, with support from the Emergency Contingency Fund, is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and partners to strengthen coordination, surveillance, laboratory, case management and community engagement in areas affected”.
The Ugandan Ministry of Health, with the support of its partners, has intensified preventive measures, including improved surveillance, case management, holding health meetings, risk communication and community engagement and public awareness campaigns to curb the spread of the disease.
What is mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a zoonotic disease and can therefore be transmitted from animals to humans. Mpox usually causes a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. While most people recover from this condition, some can become seriously ill. The virus is transmitted from person to person through touch, kissing or sexual relations. It can also be transmitted through contaminated sheets, clothing or needles and from infected pregnant mothers to their unborn babies.
Symptoms of Mpox
Symptoms tend to appear within 21 days of contact with the virus. Mayo Clinic says you may have flu-like symptoms, such as sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and cough. Other symptoms may include:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Backache
- Feeling very tired
- Muscle pain and back pain.
About 1 to 4 days after flu-like symptoms, people usually develop a rash. The mpox rash first appears on the face, hands, or feet and then spreads to other parts of the body. The rash may also start in the genital area, mouth, or throat.
Preventive Measures for Mpox
Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent mpox. Other forms of prevention include reducing human contact with infected animals and limiting the spread from person to person.
Other ways to prevent mpox
- Avoid contact with infected animals, especially sick or dead animals.
- Avoid contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with the virus.
- Cook all foods containing meat or animal parts thoroughly.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid contact with people who may be infected with the virus.
- Practice safe sex, including using condoms and dental dams.
- Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when you are around other people.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for people infected with the virus.
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