Health authorities in Uganda’s Kigezi sub-region, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), have initiated a campaign to engage journalists in raising public awareness about Mpox disease. Since the outbreak in July 2024, Uganda has confirmed 11 cases, with no deaths reported. The outbreak was first declared in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Dr. Gilbert Mateeka, Kabale District Health Officer, and Alfred Besigensi, Kabale District Health Educator, emphasize that engaging journalists will facilitate the swift dissemination of crucial information to the public to help prevent the spread of the disease. They highlight that districts in Kigezi are particularly at risk due to their frequent interactions with individuals from neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Mpox is believed to have originated. Moreover, the media’s involvement is vital for ensuring the public receives accurate and factual information.
Martin Niwataho, the Assistant Kabale Resident District Commissioner, has warned that anyone attempting to sabotage efforts to combat Mpox will face arrest and charges. Mpox (Monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, presenting symptoms such as a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever.
The virus spreads through contact with infected individuals via touch, kissing, or sexual contact. It can also be transmitted from animals during activities like hunting, skinning, or cooking and through contaminated materials such as sheets, clothing, or needles. Pregnant individuals can pass the virus to their unborn babies. Symptoms of Mpox include a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and low energy.