Recent rise in monkeypox cases in Congo Kinshasa has Uganda on high alert.

The Health Ministry of Uganda has increased surveillance after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) witnessed a surge in Monkeypox cases. 

According to Dr. Mwebesa who is the Director General of the Health Services in Uganda, the country has not yet found a single case of monkeypox, but medical teams are on high alert because of the prevalence of the disease in neighboring Kinshasa. 

Monkeypox is a virus that spreads from animals to humans, according to Mwebesa.

"It's spread by sores, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated things," Mwebesa said. Consuming inadequately cooked meat and animal products from ill animals is also dangerous, the Health Ministry head said.

Mwebesa said the ministry has enhanced UVRI's testing capacity for monkeypox. "Our health experts have increased surveillance for monkeypox," Mwebesa said.

Mwebesa urged the public to report any suspicious instances to surrounding health facilities or the ministry at 0800100066.