Rumbidzai Mhlanga
Zimbabwe has confirmed its first two cases of Mpox, a viral illness that has been spreading globally. The affected individuals, a young boy and a young man, are both in isolation and recovering.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care announced the cases, stating that one individual is from Harare and the other from Mberengwa. Both cases are stable and receiving appropriate medical care.
Case number 1 is an 11-year-old male child who recently traveled to South Africa. He developed symptoms on September 23rd and is now no longer infectious. Seven contacts have been identified and are being monitored.
Case number 2 is a 24-year-old male who recently traveled to Tanzania. He developed symptoms on September 29th and is also no longer infectious. Contact tracing and monitoring are underway.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care wishes to inform the nation that Zimbabwe now has two (2) confirmed cases of Mpox: one in Harare and another in Mberengwa. Both cases are in isolation at home, and are receiving appropriate care,” said Dr Mombeshora.
“It was then declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) by World Health Organization (WHO) on the 14th of August 2024. In Africa, there are 7535 confirmed cumulative cases of Mpox and 32 deaths reported so far in 2024,” he said.
“He is currently in isolation at home and is no longer infectious. Seven (7) contacts have since been identified and are being monitored.”
“He is currently in isolation at home and is no longer infectious. Contact tracing and monitoring is underway.”
The Ministry of Health and Child Care is urging the public to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of Mpox. These include practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and seeking medical attention if any symptoms develop.
