Concerning Spread of Mpox in Uganda and Rising Marburg Cases in Rwanda

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The mpox outbreak in Uganda is alarming, with 830 cases documented in 19 states, predominantly affecting adult men with the sexually transmissible clade 1b strain. Meanwhile, Rwanda has reported four new Marburg cases, bringing its total to 66, with a 23% fatality rate. Vaccination efforts continue across both countries, despite recent setbacks in Nigeria’s campaign.

The growing incidence of mpox in Uganda has prompted serious concern among health officials, with recent reports indicating approximately 830 confirmed cases across 19 states, as reported by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The initial instance of this outbreak was identified in Nakasongola Prison in Central Uganda, while alarming reports of new cases have emerged near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and in fishing communities. Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, the mpox lead at Africa CDC, stated during a media briefing that there were 61 new cases confirmed in the last week alone, alongside one reported fatality. In Uganda, only 12.5% of the cases involve children, contrasting with the DRC, where children represent approximately half of the cases. The predominant demographic affected in Uganda comprises adult men, with clade 1b being the leading strain, which can be transmitted through sexual contact. Parallel to this situation, Mauritius has registered its first case of mpox, and the United Kingdom has also reported its initial case of clade 1b in an individual who recently traveled to a country with mpox. Overall, the continent has experienced a weekly increase of 2,766 cases, which mirrors trends observed in prior weeks, predominantly concentrated in the DRC and Burundi. To combat the outbreak, nearly 900,000 doses of mpox vaccine have been distributed across nine nations, with vaccination efforts progressing effectively in the DRC and Rwanda; however, Nigeria has postponed its vaccination program. On another note, in Rwanda, four additional Marburg cases have been reported in the last fortnight. According to Dr. Yvan Butera, the Minister of State in the health ministry, these included a health worker and three individuals connected to existing cases. A cumulative total of 66 Marburg cases has been confirmed in Rwanda, with 15 associated fatalities, resulting in a fatality rate of around 23%. The outbreak’s origin has been traced to fruit bats discovered in a mine located near Kigali, which led to the contamination of the first known case who had visited the mine. In response to the outbreak, the Sabine Vaccine Institute has dispatched another 1,000 investigational vaccines to Rwanda for clinical trials. Unlike the previously proposed World Health Organization (WHO) trial protocol involving a control group, Rwanda has opted for an immediate vaccination strategy for all trial participants through a Phase 2 open-label trial presented by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre. This revised protocol will involve about 1,000 individuals deemed at risk, including mine workers, receiving a single-dose investigational vaccine under a one-to-one randomization setup, thereby aligning with the disease incubation period.

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral disease endemic to certain regions, with recent outbreaks raising alarm due to rising case numbers in Uganda. The Africa CDC monitors these incidents closely, highlighting not only Uganda’s situation but also the geographical dynamics of the disease as it spreads across borders, particularly near the DRC. Concurrently, Marburg, a severe and often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever, has emerged in Rwanda, necessitating immediate public health intervention and vaccination efforts. The collaborative medical response in these regions underscores the importance of vaccination in managing both emerging diseases and outbreaks.

In conclusion, the current mpox outbreak in Uganda and the recent Marburg cases in Rwanda underscore the urgent need for vigilant public health measures and effective vaccination campaigns. As health authorities continue to respond to these emerging threats, the implications for disease transmission and control require dedicated resources and a coordinated approach, particularly in regions where these outbreaks intersect.

Original Source: healthpolicy-watch.news

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