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Caption for the landscape image:

Not being circumcised abets Mpox – trader

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A Congolese health official administers an Mpox vaccine to a man in October 2024. Vaccination is a key step in containing the disease. Photo/Reuters

“My trouble with the monkeypox disease or Mpox started just before Christmas on December 20, 2024. I felt feverish and developed small but hard blisters in my private parts. I tried to rapture them in vain.

I also developed swellings around my groin and felt pain underneath my foreskin. More sores popped up and became terribly itchy. I suspect I contracted the viral disease after sex with my second wife, who could have got the infection from our neighbours, who had sick dogs with wounds and puss.

The dogs often lie about on our veranda, so I think the virus came from the sick dogs. Only days later, I also developed a burning sensation in my throat, coupled with thirst. Then I had a relentless headache with fever that prompted me to consult a nearby clinic in Nakifuma, Mukono District. The doctors said I had either contracted syphilis or gonorrhoea.

By the time I had walked out of the clinic, I had spent more than Shs200,000. They referred me to Mulago hospital, where my blood samples were taken, tested, and confirmed that l had the Mpox viral disease.

But I wasn’t allowed to return home to carry along my personal effects. An ambulance quickly whisked me to the Uganda Virus Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe where Covid-19 patients used to be attended to.

At UVRI, whoever came in with the Mpox disease was not allowed to leave or sneak out. No caretaker was also allowed as it was a quarantine. My genitals, with many blisters, especially beneath the foreskin, were the most affected. I had two surgeries since I could not attend to nature’s call without severe pain. I was then given the option of using tubes, but I refused out of fear even when the pain became unbearable.

have been worst hit by the viral disease since many had their private parts rotting, with some portions being cut off. A baby with the Mpox disease was also brought to UVRI for surgery. I have now spent two weeks and three days in quarantine. I hope to be discharged soon.

Already, I have spent more than Shs700,000 in treatment costs, especially on medicines. I also need to buy a tube, which costs Shs40,000.

I appeal to the Ministry of Health to spread more awareness about Mpox disease because many are not aware of its signs and symptoms.

Despite all the pain, we were looked after well and provided with meals although we had to buy some medicines. The doctors also feared us.

They also feared handling the money we had touched. Back home, my timber business in Nakifuma, Mukono District, has died since the disease hit me.

I am now being taken care of by well-wishers who send money to look after my two families. But I am optimistic I will recover soon and fully.”