Kampala, Uganda – Despite a decline in mpox cases in many districts during the festive season, Kampala continues to experience a sustained increase in infections. According to the Ministry of Health, the country’s cumulative confirmed cases have reached 1,571, with nineteen new cases reported in the past 24 hours.
Dr. Col Henry Kyobe explained that the disease primarily affects sex workers and their contacts, such as taxi drivers and vendors. The highest number of cases in the Kampala Metropolitan area are found in Kawaala, Bwaise, and Nabweru. Notably, infections are more prevalent among sex workers operating in low-end neighborhoods.
While there were concerns that festive movements might increase transmission, experts note that mpox mainly spreads within specific categories, which may explain the reduction in cases in some districts. However, Kampala remains a hotspot for the disease.