Cumulatively, 325 mpox cases had been reported by 31 October 2024 and out of which 282 were reported in the month of October alone. The sharp increase in the number of cases in October was due to clusters of community transmission reported in several districts including Kampala, Nakasongola, Wakiso and Mayuge. Cases have been reported in 34 districts, with 1 death, a woman living with HIV/AIDS who was not on antiretroviral treatment (ART).
With 126 cases, Kampala is confirmed as the most affected districts, particularly Kawempe Division, followed by Wakiso (49 cases) and Nakasangola (43 cases). As of 31 October 2024, out of the 325 reported cases, 81 cases were still under treatment, 189 cases had recovered, 1 death reported and 54 cases yet to be moved to the treatment units across the country. In addition, out of the 325 cases, 84 (20%) were children under 18 years of age, including 30 children below 5 years of age (35.7%), 24 (28.6%) aged 5-10 years and 30 (35.7%) aged 10-18 years.
A total of 11 schools in four districts have registered cases. The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) continues to collaborate with MoH to ensure the tracing of all contacts of the children affected. As of 31 October 2024, MoH had not identified any cluster of infections among learners in affected schools.
High-risk groups include sex workers, "boda-boda" (motorcycle taxi) riders, market vendors, and timber dealers, who are often in close contact, increasing their risk of transmission through direct contact and sexual activity. Individuals with multiple sexual partners, especially sex workers, are at greater risk due to heightened exposure and possibly compromised immunity related to HIV/AIDS.
The MoH, in coordination with partners, including UNICEF, have agreed to revise the mpox national response plan due to the evolving mpox situation, with 34 districts already affected compared to 23 focus districts on which the plan was based. The revision will be consultative with all partners including UNICEF, and once the plan is revised, UNICEF will also conduct a revision of its own plan.