Mpox outbreak, Masaka City and Masaka District, April, 2025

Authors: Patrick Kwizera, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program-Field Epidemiology Training Program - Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda, Tel: +256 782 822 220, Email: pkwizera@uniph.go.ug

In April 2025, Masaka City was declared a mpox hotspot following a surge in confirmed cases from 105 in February to 125 in March. A field investigation was launched to determine outbreak magnitude, risk factors, and guide response.

The team reviewed treatment unit records and conducted community case searches with VHT support. Over half of confirmed cases were among people living with HIV, highlighting increased vulnerability. High-risk groups included fisherfolk and commercial sex workers. Misinformation and weak rural risk communication were also identified.

The Ministry of Health used findings to target risk communication to key populations and strengthen surveillance in high-burden areas.

Figure 1: Gertrude Abbo and Bridget Ainembabazi (Fellows in jackets) investigating of mpox in one of the primary schools in Masaka city. The team of epidemiologists were verifying an alert from one of the primary schools in Masaka city.