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Healthcare Alerts | Infectious Diseases | MPox
Zimbabwe and Zambia record their first cases of Mpox
Time to read: 01:39 minutes
Time to listen: 02:29 minutes
Type of article: News
MedED Catalogue Reference: MNMP049
Category: News
Category Cross-reference: Infectious Diseases, Global Health
Keywords: WHO, Mpox, sub-Saharan Africa
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14 October 2024 13:30
Zimbabwe has confirmed its first two cases of mpox, the Ministry of Health and Childcare announced on Sunday, although it did not specify which variant of the virus had been detected. The cases involve two individuals who recently travelled to neighbouring countries.
The first case was identified in an 11-year-old boy from the southern town of Mberengwa who developed symptoms after returning from South Africa last month. According to the ministry's statement, the second case was recorded in a 24-year-old man from the capital, Harare, who fell ill after travelling to Tanzania. Both patients are currently recovering, and contact-tracing efforts are underway to prevent the virus from spreading further.
The cases in Zimbabwe come as neighbouring Zambia also confirmed its first case of mpox last week, although officials there have also not disclosed which strain was involved.
In the statement, Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora reassured the public that the situation was under control and urged Zimbabweans not to panic.
In August, the WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years. A new variant of the virus, known as "clade 1b," has been spreading across parts of Africa, particularly from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to neighbouring countries. The variant has caused international concern as it appears to spread more easily through routine close contact than previous strains.
While the global health body and local authorities continue to monitor the situation, Zimbabwe’s health ministry has stressed that the country is prepared to manage the outbreak and prevent its spread.
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