Uganda’s Ministry of Health reported 17 new Mpox cases in the previous 24 hours on Monday, pushing the total number of infections to 1,044 since the outbreak began five months ago. The country has also recorded six deaths during this period.
The ministry’s bulletin indicated that at least 10 of the new cases were diagnosed in Kampala, the epicenter of the outbreak. The capital city remains the hardest-hit area as health authorities continue efforts to contain the spread.
Across the continent, Mpox cases have surged to over 65,700 this year, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Of these, 14,241 cases have been confirmed, and 1,237 deaths have been reported since January.
In August, Africa CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Mpox epidemic in Africa a public health emergency. To combat the crisis, the organizations launched a six-month continental response plan, backed by a USD 600 million budget.
Ugandan health officials continue to urge residents, particularly in Kampala, to remain vigilant and seek medical care if symptoms arise.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads through close contact with an infected person or contaminated materials, such as bedding.