Uganda’s mpox infections have risen to ten, with all patients carrying the more transmissible clade 1b strain, according to a health official on Saturday.
Uganda shares a border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the current outbreak began in January 2023, making the country a key area of concern for health authorities.
The first two cases in Uganda were confirmed in July.
Henry Kyobe, head of the government’s mpox response team, told Reuters that Uganda had recorded ten cases so far. Four patients remain in isolation, while six have recovered and been discharged.
“We’re pleased that no fatalities have been reported, and we’re optimistic about overcoming the outbreak,” Kyobe said, adding that over 200 tests have been conducted on suspected cases.
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency in mid-August after identifying this new variant.
Mpox, which causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, spreads through close physical contact. While typically mild, the disease can be fatal if untreated.