A case of mpox has been confirmed in Nakasongola Prison, central Uganda, as reported by the Uganda Prison Service on Tuesday. The infected inmate, currently facing murder charges, has been isolated and is receiving medical treatment.

This development follows the World Health Organization’s declaration of mpox as a public health emergency in August, after a new variant emerged. The outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has spread to neighboring countries, including Uganda.

Prison spokesperson Frank Baine revealed that the prisoner is believed to have contracted the disease before arriving at the facility, though investigations are still ongoing.

Source:Africanews