Uganda’s Ministry of Health has announced that the death toll from the ongoing mpox outbreak has reached 40, with total confirmed cases climbing to 5,431 since the outbreak began nine months ago.
In its latest situation report released on Monday, the ministry confirmed 44 new infections in the last 24 hours and warned of increasing severity among hospitalized patients. Urban centers and fishing communities are reportedly experiencing the highest infection rates, particularly in Mbarara City, Kampala, and the districts of Buvuma, Kalangala, and Nakasongola.
The report also identified adults aged 25 to 29 as the most affected group nationwide.
Last month, the World Health Organization flagged Uganda as having the highest number of community-transmitted mpox cases globally. In response, the government has stepped up its surveillance, treatment, and public awareness campaigns.
The ministry further revealed that Uganda received an additional 100,000 doses of mpox vaccines from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in March. The second phase of the vaccination campaign, which began on April 2, is prioritizing adults aged 25 to 35.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that spreads through close contact and presents with symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, back pain, and a distinctive skin rash.
