Zimbabwe records first Mpox cases

NATHANIEL GONDO

ZIMBABWE has reported two confirmed cases of Mpox, with the cases being detected in Harare and Mberengwa.

A hand showing the characteristic rash of Monkeypox [Image: World Health Organisation]

The Ministry of Health and Child Care confirmed this development through a press statement stating that indeed two cases were confirmed and were already in isolation. 

“The Ministry of Health and Child Care wishes to inform the nation that Zimbabwe now has two confirmed cases of Mpox: one in Harare and another in Mberengwa,” reads part of the statement. 

Both cases were also confirmed to be in stable condition and were recovering well in isolation at their homesteads.

The two confirmed cases are a 11 and 24 year olds are believed to have acquired Mpox during their travel to and from South Africa and Tanzania respectively. 

The two cases have been successfully dealt with as the disease is no longer infectious. 

Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security by Africa Centre for Disease Control on August 13. It was then also declared Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the International Health Regulations (IHR2005).

In Africa there are 7,535 cumulative cases of Mpox with 32 deaths confirmed so far.

This is the first time that Mpox has been reported in Zimbabwe and the cases highlight the need for continued vigilance and preparedness to detect and respond to emerging infectious diseases.

Mpox is a rare viral disease caused by Mpox virus and it is typically found in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. The virus can cause a range of symptoms which includes fever, headache, muscle aches and a characteristic rash.