MPOX

ATTENTION!! MPOX OUTBREAK!!

 There is currently an outbreak of MPOX Formerly known as monkey pox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Since January 2023, there have been over 22,000 suspected cases and more than 12,000 deaths. The neighboring countries affected by the recent outbreak are Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Central African Republic, and Kenya

WHAT IS MPOX

Mpox is a disease caused by infection with a virus, known as Monkey pox virus. This virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. People with mpox often get a rash, along with other symptoms. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread between animals and people. It is endemic, or found regularly, in parts of Central and West Africa. The virus has also  been found in small rodents, monkeys, and other mammals that live in these areas.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

People with mpox often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals, including the penis, testicles, labia, and vagina, and anus. The incubation period is 3–17 days. During this time, a person does not have symptoms and may feel fine. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. 

HOW IT IS SPREAD

• Direct skin to skin contact with an infected person 

• Contact with bodily fluids like, mucus, salaiva, cum, vaginal fluids 

• From the pregnant mother to her  unborn baby

•  Oral, anal or vaginal sex 

• Hugging an infected person

• Massage / pyhsical touch

• kissing infected persons

• Throughbreathing  contaminated air

•  sharing Sex toys with an infected person

SAFER SEX, SOCIAL GATHERINGS AND MPOX

Mpox can spread in different ways, including through close contact (including intimate or sexual contact) with a person with mpox. 

 

HOW TO PREVENT INFECTION WITH MPOX

• Avoid physical contact with someone with MPOX 

• Dont share clothes beddings and other personal items with someone witrh MPOX 

• Wash hands with soap and water after exposure 

• Vaccination 

• Wear protective gear while dealing with infected persons

 

How can a person lower their risk during sex? 

• Through vaccination 2 doses, (we are yet to ascertain availability in uganda)

• Limit the number of sexual partners 

• Use condoms during sex

• Avoid kissing infected individuals

• Wash hands after handling sick people

•  wash sex toys after sex

What to do incase your infected

• Use bandages to cover the rash 

• Do not pop or scratch the rush/wounds 

• Do not shave the area with the rush until it has healed or disappeared

•  Keep the wounds dry and clean Wash hands with soap after direct contact with the rush

• Wear a face mask 

• Eat healthy and get plenty of rest

 

Where to go for treatment

If someone is suspected or confirmed as having monkey pox, they should isolate at home or in an appropriate facility until the scabs have fallen off. 

For more inquiries, contact Ministry of Health toll free line on 0800100066 OR SEND a free SMS to 8500