Zimbabwe Confirms First Mpox Cases After Zambia’s Initial Report

By Adebowale Bello. Freelance Health Writer.

Monday, October 14, 2024. Zimbabwe has confirmed its first two cases of mpox, just days after neighboring Zambia reported its initial case. According to Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health, the affected individuals had traveled to Tanzania and South Africa, though the specific mpox variants remain unidentified.

The first case, reported in the capital city Harare, involves a child who began showing symptoms after returning from South Africa last month. The second case was detected in Mberengwa, where a 24-year-old man fell ill following a trip to Tanzania. Both patients are currently recovering, and contact tracing is underway to contain the spread, Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora confirmed in an official statement. He reassured the public that the situation is "under control" and advised against panic.

In Zambia, a 32-year-old Tanzanian man who traveled to the country in early September developed symptoms in early October, becoming Zambia's first confirmed case. The health ministry in Zambia expressed concern about the man’s extensive travel within the country, which increases the risk of local transmission and cross-border spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years following a significant outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The virus, which causes flu-like symptoms and pustular lesions, is typically mild but can be fatal, especially in children. Africa has recorded nearly 30,000 suspected mpox cases this year, with the majority in central and West Africa. A few cases have also been reported in Europe and Asia. So far, more than 800 deaths have been linked to the virus.

Both Zimbabwe and Zambia have heightened their public health surveillance to prevent further spread, with authorities urging the public to remain vigilant and report any symptoms promptly.

Source: RFI

Published: October 14, 2024

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