Wednesday, 16 October, 2024
Zimbabwe has confirmed its first two cases of mpox, the health ministry announced on Sunday, without specifying the variant involved.
The first case was identified in an 11-year-old boy who developed symptoms last month after travelling to South Africa. The second case involved a 24-year-old man who became ill after travelling to Tanzania.
Both patients are currently recovering, and contact-tracing efforts are underway. The cases were reported in the capital, Harare, and the southern town of Mberengwa.
In August, the World Health Organization declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following the spread of a new variant of the viral infection from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighbouring African countries.
The new variant, known as "clade 1b," has raised global concern due to its apparent ability to spread more easily through routine close contact.
“The Ministry of Health and Childcare wishes to reassure the public that the situation is under control and urges the Zimbabwean public not to panic,” said a statement signed by Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora.
Neighbouring Zambia also reported its first case last week without disclosing the strain. Mpox typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. It is usually mild but can kill.
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Zimbabwe has confirmed its first two cases of mpox, the health ministry announced on Sunday, without specifying the variant involved.
The first case was identified in an 11-year-old boy who developed symptoms last month after travelling to South Africa. The second case involved a 24-year-old man who became ill after travelling to Tanzania.
Both patients are currently recovering, and contact-tracing efforts are underway. The cases were reported in the capital, Harare, and the southern town of Mberengwa.
In August, the World Health Organization declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following the spread of a new variant of the viral infection from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighbouring African countries.
The new variant, known as "clade 1b," has raised global concern due to its apparent ability to spread more easily through routine close contact.
“The Ministry of Health and Childcare wishes to reassure the public that the situation is under control and urges the Zimbabwean public not to panic,” said a statement signed by Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora.
Neighbouring Zambia also reported its first case last week without disclosing the strain. Mpox typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. It is usually mild but can kill.
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