Uganda confirms two more cases of mpox
The World Health Organisation declared the recent outbreak of the disease a public health emergency after the new variant, which appears to spread more easily between people, was identified.
Uganda has confirmed two more mpox virus infections, bringing the number of cases in the east African country to four, according to the health ministry.
The two new patients were infected with the clade 1b strain of the virus, Health Ministry Director General of Health Services Henry Mwebesa told Reuters, a new offshoot that has triggered global concern.
More To Read
- Uganda proposes Bill to regulate medicines, supplements and cosmetics
- Mombasa County's mpox cases rise to 182 as health authorities activate emergency operations
- Kenya battles rising mpox infections as WHO lifts global emergency
- Mpox deaths near 2,000 in Africa since 2024 amid recent decline in cases: Africa CDC
- Uganda defends troop deployment to South Sudan
- Health authorities launch 10-day mpox vaccination drive at Malaba border
The World Health Organisation declared the recent outbreak of the disease a public health emergency after the new variant, which appears to spread more easily between people, was identified.
Health authorities in Uganda first reported an outbreak of the disease in the country on July 24 when lab tests of samples from two patients at a hospital near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo returned positive for mpox virus.
The latest two cases were confirmed this week, health ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyoona said, adding that one of the patients was a truck driver. He did not give details of the second patient.
Both patients were isolated at a hospital at Entebbe, a town about 50 km (31 miles) south of the capital Kampala.
Mpox infections cause flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions and are transmitted through close physical contact. While usually mild, the disease can be fatal.
Uganda borders Congo, where the current outbreak began in January 2023.
Other Topics To Read
Top Stories Today
