Medics warn of sexual transmission risks Mpox cases rise in Mbarara City
Mpox is spreading in Mbarara City, raising alarms among health officials and prompting urgent calls for prevention.
The virus, which has primarily affected middle-aged adults,(20 to 40years) has led to a cluster of cases in the city’s densely populated Katete neighborhood.
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Dr. Nelson Wandera, an infectious disease expert at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, reports a worrying pattern.
"Most of our patients have a history of sexual contact with either someone who showed symptoms or with random partners," he said. "Avoid random sex and physical contact with symptomatic individuals."
The Infectious Disease Unit at Mbarara regional referral hospital has managed four confirmed mpox cases, awaiting 3 more samples from Uganda Virus Research Institute.
Additionally, 20 individuals are suspected of infection as the virus’s transmission route remains under investigation.
According to Dr. Wandera, symptoms are often seen first in the genital areas before progressing.
“We’re noticing rashes on the labia for women and along the penis for men, which suggests the transmission may be through intimate contact,” he explained.
As the cases rise, local health experts are warning residents to stay vigilant.
“The risk is real, and we are advising people to avoid close contact and take preventive measures seriously,” Dr. Wandera added.
The Ministry of Health has reinforced these warnings, highlighting that public cooperation is essential to control the outbreak.
