Mbarara District, Uganda – Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital has issued a warning against risky behavior during Easter festivities, citing increased concerns over the spread of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox).
While Easter is a time to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it also presents opportunities for increased social interaction, which may heighten the risk of transmission, said Halson Kagure, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer.
In an exclusive interview, Kagure revealed that since October last year, the hospital has recorded 475 suspected Mpox cases, of which 422 were confirmed. So far, 279 patients have been treated and discharged, while 14 are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital’s Infectious Disease Treatment Center. The total number of Mpox-related deaths now stands at four.
To curb the spread of the disease, the government recently launched a vaccination campaign targeting high-risk groups, including commercial sex workers, bar attendants, and health workers. Kagure reported that approximately 8,000 people have been vaccinated in Mbarara City.
The hospital’s Acting Director, Dr. Deus Twesigye, who is also a Senior Consultant in General Surgery, noted that most of the admitted cases contracted the disease through sexual activity. He emphasized that condoms provide limited protection against Mpox, which is primarily spread through direct physical contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces.
Despite the ongoing vaccination efforts, Dr. Twesigye urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid risky behavior. He also called upon religious leaders to use Easter gatherings as an opportunity to sensitize their followers about the dangers of Mpox.
As of April 14, the Ministry of Health reported 5,386 confirmed Mpox cases and 40 deaths across the country. The most affected age group is 25 to 49 years, with the government prioritizing young adults aged 25 to 35 for vaccination. Uganda recently received 100,000 doses of the Mpox vaccine.
Health officials remain optimistic that with public cooperation, the country could bring the outbreak under control in the coming months.
