HARARE — Zimbabwe confirmed two cases of Mpox, a viral disease formerly known as monkeypox, with both patients in isolation at home and recovering, the Ministry of Health and Child Care announced Sunday.
The first case involves an 11-year-old boy from Harare, who returned from a trip to South Africa in early September. He began showing symptoms of Mpox on Sept. 23 and is now no longer infectious, health officials said. Seven contacts linked to the boy have been identified and are being monitored.
The second case is a 24-year-old man from Mberengwa who traveled to Tanzania in mid-September. He developed symptoms on Sept. 29 and, like the first case, is no longer infectious. Contact tracing and monitoring efforts are underway.
Mpox, which was declared a public health emergency of continental security by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization in August, has spread across Africa, with 7,535 confirmed cases and 32 deaths reported continent-wide this year.
The virus, endemic to Central and West Africa, spreads through close contact with infected people or animals, or through contaminated materials. It can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, a rash that resembles blisters, and respiratory symptoms. The incubation period is typically 3 to 21 days, with the disease developing over two to four weeks.
While Mpox is generally self-limiting, resolving within three to four weeks, it can be severe in individuals with weakened immune systems or other health conditions. Supportive treatment, including pain relief and antibiotics for secondary infections, may be required.
The Ministry of Health is urging the public to avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms, to practice good personal hygiene, and to report any signs of Mpox to health facilities immediately.
In response to the outbreak, Zimbabwe has rolled out a nationwide Mpox preparedness and response plan, which includes activating national and regional incident management systems, training healthcare workers, and enhancing surveillance at all ports of entry. Isolation centers are being established throughout the country to manage potential future cases.
Health officials assured the public that the situation remains under control, with awareness campaigns underway to inform communities about preventive measures.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care reassures the public that there is no need for panic,” a spokesperson said. “We continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep the nation updated.”
Mpox can be prevented through avoiding close contact with infected individuals, not sharing personal items such as clothing or bedding with those showing symptoms, and using personal protective equipment when caring for the sick.
