Uganda has been battling an mpox outbreak for over six months, with initial cases largely concentrated in low-income urban settlements. However, the disease is now spreading beyond these areas into middle-class neighborhoods and corporate offices, signaling a shift in transmission patterns.
Health experts point to commercial sex work as a significant factor driving this transition. In the early stages, the virus thrived in overcrowded areas with poor sanitation, limited healthcare access, and high-risk social behaviors. However, recent cases among professionals and office workers indicate that the outbreak is no longer confined to these communities.
Officials warn that the virus, which spreads through close physical contact, is now moving into spaces previously considered lower-risk. “We are now seeing cases in workplaces and middle-class areas, indicating that transmission patterns have changed,” said Dr. Henry Kyobe, the country’s incident commander for the mpox response.
Commercial Sex Work as a Transmission Bridge
According to health authorities, commercial sex work has played a key role in the expansion of mpox beyond its initial clusters. Since clients come from diverse social and economic backgrounds, the industry acts as a bridge, facilitating the virus’s movement across different segments of society.
“Commercial sex work has been a major factor in the expansion of mpox beyond initial clusters,” explained Dr. Kyobe. This shift highlights the need for interventions that address transmission routes beyond overcrowded settlements.
Mpox is a viral infection characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash. It spreads primarily through close physical contact, making social interactions a key driver of transmission. While initially affecting the most vulnerable communities, its reach into workplaces suggests that anyone in close-contact environments is now at risk.
Rising Case Numbers and Affected Areas
As of February 20, 2025, Uganda had recorded:
- 3,310 confirmed cases since the outbreak began.
- 521 cases in the last 14 days.
- 73 new cases in the past 72 hours.
- 22 cumulative deaths linked to the virus.
A total of 90 districts have reported at least one case of mpox since the outbreak started last year. The most affected areas include Kampala District, Masaka City, Wakiso, Lwengo, Mukono, Kyotera, Mbale City, and Bushenyi. Kampala remains the leading district in reported cases, followed closely by other major urban centers.
Containing the Spread
With mpox now reaching middle-class spaces, public health officials stress the need for increased vigilance. They urge individuals to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms and to avoid close contact with infected persons.
Efforts to curb the spread must include public awareness campaigns, timely medical interventions, and targeted measures to address high-risk transmission routes, such as commercial sex work. Strengthening healthcare access, improving sanitation in affected areas, and promoting safe social behaviors will also be critical in preventing further outbreaks.
Authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation, calling for collective responsibility in stopping the virus’s spread across Uganda’s social and economic divides.
