The Ministry of Health has identified 23 districts along the Uganda-DRC border as high risk for potential MPOX virus importation. The announcement includes Kampala among the affected areas.

Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng revealed that five of these districts are currently housing refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In response, a one-year MPOX preparedness and response plan has been put into action. An emergency response mechanism similar to those used during the Ebola and Marburg virus outbreaks has been reinstated in both the Ministry of Health and Kasese District.

Aceng’s update follows the World Health Organization’s declaration of a global health emergency due to the escalating MPOX cases in Africa.

The WHO reported over 17,000 MPOX cases globally this year, with 500 fatalities across 13 African countries. Uganda has reported two cases, both of which have been treated and resolved without any deaths.

The WHO highlighted that Africa has seen over 14,000 MPOX cases and 524 deaths this year, surpassing last year’s figures. Congo remains the epicentre, accounting for more than 96% of the cases and deaths, and concerns are growing over a potentially more transmissible strain emerging there.

Neighbouring East African countries such as Burundi, Kenya, and Rwanda have also reported MPOX cases.

Dr. Aceng emphasized the heightened risk of MPOX spreading to Uganda, particularly in densely populated areas like schools and prisons. The ministry is considering the deployment of two vaccines as a preventive measure.

Former State Minister for Health, Dr Emmanuel Otaala, has advised the public to avoid direct contact with monkeys and bats, as these animals are known reservoirs for such viruses. He also urged individuals to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise.