Zimbabwe has recorded its first two confirmed Mpox cases, according to the Health Minister, Douglas Mombeshora. The cases were reported in Harare and Mberengwa.
The two individuals affected are an 11-year-old boy and a 24-year-old man, both of whom have recently traveled—one from South Africa and the other from Tanzania.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing on Sunday, Mombeshora assured the public that both patients are in stable condition and are recovering in isolation at home.
“Seven contacts of the Harare case have been traced and are under monitoring, while efforts to identify the contacts of the Mberengwa case are ongoing,” said Mombeshora.
“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. Both cases are in isolation at home, receiving appropriate care, and are stable and recovering.”
Mpox Declared a Public Health Emergency
Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, was declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security by the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) on August 13, 2024. The World Health Organization (WHO) followed with a Public Health Emergency of International Concern declaration under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) on August 14, 2024.
In Africa, the total number of confirmed Mpox cases in 2024 stands at 7,535, with 32 deaths reported so far.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a rare viral infection caused by the Mpox virus, which is endemic in Central and West Africa. The virus spreads through:
- Close contact with infected individuals or animals.
- Contact with materials contaminated by the virus (e.g., bedding or clothing).
Symptoms of Mpox
- Fever
- Rash (similar to pimples or blisters) on the face, inside the mouth, hands, feet, chest, or other parts of the body.
- Headache, muscle aches, and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills and exhaustion
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, cough)
The incubation period ranges between 3 and 21 days, and the illness typically develops slowly over 2 to 4 weeks.
While Mpox is usually self-limiting, it can become severe in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. Most cases resolve within 3 to 4 weeks with supportive care, such as painkillers and antibiotics.
Preventive Measures
The spread of Mpox can be minimized by:
- Practicing good personal hygiene.
- Avoiding direct contact with infected individuals.
- Isolating infected persons.
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.
Mombeshora urged the public to remain calm, assuring citizens that the government has put several interventions in place to manage and contain the outbreak.
“Zimbabweans should not panic,” he said. “The government is on high alert, and we are taking all necessary measures to control the situation.”
