By URN
The country has intensified its surveillance for monkey-pox following the continued outbreak of the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other neighbouring countries.
Monkey-pox is a viral zoonotic disease spread from animals to human beings. The disease is transmitted from one person to another through close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as beddings.
The disease which can also be transmitted by eating inadequately cooked meat from an infected animal is endemic in at least eight African countries including DRC, Nigeria, Cameroon and Namibia. Although no case of the disease has been reported in Uganda, there is an increase in cases being reported in more than 23 countries worldwide, including neighbouring Kenya.
The Director-General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health says that even if the country is not at risk, it’s important to take precautions.
According to the Ministry of Health, the government, as part of its preparedness mode is strengthening testing capabilities at Uganda Virus Research Institute and intensifying health worker surveillance on suspected cases.
