Crowds, campaigns and contagion: Mpox risk during election season

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OPINION

By Dr Aminah Namwabira

As the intensity of elections heats up in the country, drawing thousands to campaign rallies and polling stations, mpox, now in 115 out of 146 districts, threatens voters, presenting with a rash, fever and swollen lymph nodes. As much as these gatherings are crucial for democratic engagements, they can turn into a hot spot for the spread of infectious diseases like mpox.

While everyone has the right to participate in activities supporting the candidate of their choice, it is equally important to stay mindful of the arising potential health risks and take precautions to protect yourself and others.

Mpox is a viral illness known for causing fever, headache, rash and swollen lymph nodes. The rash can appear on the face, palms, hands, chest, genitals, legs, feet or any other part of the body. Mpox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person, often skin-to-skin or contact with materials and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox. Crowded spaces, handshakes, hugs, shared surfaces and items like pens make it easy for mpox to spread at campaign rallies and polling stations.

The Ministry of Health reported that mpox initially concentrated in urban areas and fishing communities, but it has since spread to rural areas, putting the entire population at risk. It is therefore crucial to implement precautionary measures to prevent the election season from becoming a hot spot for mpox transmission.

Teach voters to stay safe from mpox by taking simple precautions during campaigns and elections. Ministry of Health, district and city health departments should roll out awareness campaigns to teach the public about mpox prevention, share leaflets and posters in English, Luganda and other local languages at rally entrances and collaborate with political parties and the Electoral Commission to ensure rallies and elections are conducted with safety measures such as health screening at entry points, hand sanitizing stations, and crowd control in place.

Protect yourself and others against mpox during this election season with these easy steps: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after touching surfaces or interacting with others or use a 60% alcohol based hand sanitizer, keep a distance from people exhibiting mpox symptoms like a rash, avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, avoid sharing items such as pens and phones, opt for verbal greetings like waving or nodding instead of handshakes or hugs. If you develop any symptoms related to mpox or any other infectious disease, stay home and seek medical care to prevent further spread.

As the election season unfolds and political enthusiasm mounts, civic participation and public health should work together to strengthen our communities. By prioritising health and safety, both candidates and voters can help build safer and more resilient communities. Vote with confidence by staying mpox free through implementing simple precautionary measures and keeping Uganda safe.

The writer is a Field Epidemiology Fellow with the Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Department of Integrated Epidemiology and Surveillance, Ministry of Health