Monkeypox in Uganda – Do not be fooled to cancel your Trip!

Monkeypox virus should not be a reason to cancel your Uganda safari. Everything is under control. Monkeypox is currently one of the world threat endemic diseases, which was recently announced by the World Health Organization. The first case was first discovered on 31^st August 2024. The disease is caused by a virus and it is transmissive and was first discovered in 1970. This disease affects a lot the world’s economy. Uganda is one of the destinations located in the East African region. The country under the Ministry of Health is working hand in hand with other international organizations to fight against the spread of the disease.

How is monkeypox transmitted?

Monkeypox is a viral disease that can be transmitted from one person to another. While asking how monkeypox is transmitted, travelers should have a question in their mind who is most at risk for the disease?

The transmission of the disease ranges in different ways and they include;

The disease is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with that of the sick person like touching, sex, hugging, and many others.
Face-to-face interaction with the sick person.
Sharing of bedsheets, clothing, towels, and many others.
Contact with some wildlife with the virus or the disease like monkey species, rodents, and many others.

What are the signs and symptoms of monkeypox?

The monkeypox virus incubation takes about 3 to 17 days and around this time the infected person has no signs and symptoms. The signs and symptoms take about 21 days to be seen. If the infected person gets one of the signs like flue, will develop skin rashes within 1 to 4 days. Several signs and symptoms indicate that one is having monkeypox and they include;

Skin rashes around the different body parts like hands, chest, face, and many others.
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Muscle itches and backache.
Respiratory disorders like sore throat, congestion, cough, and many others.
General body weakness.

How can I prevent Monkeypox infection?

There are several ways how one can prevent monkeypox infection and they include;

Avoid contact with the infected person or animals.
Wear protective gear like masks, and gloves when interacting with the infected persons.
Practice good hygiene through washing your hands and sanitizing frequently.
Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, foods, and many others.
Get vaccinated from the Monkeypox disease.
Avoid people with the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Is Monkeypox treatable?

Monkeypox is one of the viral diseases which has no treatment. The treatment of the disease focuses on the signs and symptoms and also supports the body’s immunity. People suffering from monkeys are treated through antiviral medication, wound dressing for skin rashes, isolation to prevent transmission, and many others.

What is the effect of monkeypox on Pregnant women in Uganda?

The Effect of Monkeypox on pregnant women to pregnant women in Uganda is so dangerous to the woman and unborn baby. The risk effects of the virus on pregnant women include;

Severe illnesses like the signs and symptoms of the virus.
Miscarriage may occur naturally in pregnant women.
Premature birth of the baby.
Maternal morality which at times leads to death

The effect of the virus on the unborn babies

Congenital abnormalities which lead to birth defects.
Still birth which is the death of the fetus after 20 weeks of the gestation period.
Severe death of the baby at the birth time.

So pregnant women are advised not to travel during the Monkeypox outbreak and to avoid interactions with wild animals during the period of pregnancy. If any signs and symptoms are detected, these women are supposed to visit the health center for further treatment.

What precautions is the government of Uganda taking to control the Monkeypox virus?

While in Uganda for a safari, there are several precautions that the government is taking to control the Monkeypox virus including;

Avoid congested places
Sustain regularly while in public places
Travelers are supposed to have health cards that indicate the vaccination.
Report any person to the health officials with the signs and symptoms of Monkeypox.
Travel bans for countries and states with several cases of monkeypox.
Report any person dealing with wild animal hunting, poaching, or illegal trading.
Public address about the outbreak of Monkeypox in several communities around the country.
Offering public health centers with free monkey pox testing kits

What is the current state of the Monkeypox Virus in Uganda?

On 14^th August, Doctor Ruth Acheng minister of Health informed the country about the outbreak of the Monkeypox virus. Since then there have been no cases registered about the Monkeypox. The government of Uganda is working hand in hand with other organizations to fight against the virus since its neighboring country the Democratic Republic of Congo has registered several monkeypox-positive cases. The government has created several testing points at the entry points of the country. These testing points have managed to allow healthy people into the country and hence no registered case is up to date.

Is Uganda safe from monkeypox?

Generally, the monkeypox virus in Uganda does not spread like Covid-19 did, it is rather under control. It should not be a reason for you to cancel your trip or safari in Uganda. All national parks in Uganda are safe from the monkeypox virus and the tourism business is going on well as usual.