Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe has confirmed its first Mpox case in the Midlands Province, specifically in Mberengwa, as part of two new infections reported by the Ministry of Health and Child Care on 13 October 2024.
The other confirmed case is in Harare and both individuals are receiving treatment in isolation at home, with conditions stable and improving, the Minister of Health Dr Douglas Mombeshora has said.
In a statement Dr Mombeshora said the Mberengwa case is a man who had travelled to Tanzania.
“The Mberengwa is a 24-year-old male with a known history of having traveled to Tanzania on the 14th of September 24 and came back on 21 September 2024 and developed symptoms on 29 September. He is currently in isolation at home, and health officials have confirmed that he is no longer infectious. Contact tracing efforts are currently underway,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora said the other case is that of an 11-year-old boy in Harare who had visited South Africa in August and developed symptoms on 23 September 2024, shortly after his return to Zimbabwe.
He said he has since recovered, and his seven identified contacts have also been monitored without further incident.
Dr Mombeshora said the Ministry of Health and Child Care has activated national and sub-national Incident Management Systems to control the spread.
“The situation is under control, and there is no need for panic. Any persons with symptoms are urged to report to the nearest health facility as soon as possible,” he said.
He said citizens should report suspected cases immediately to their nearest health facility for prompt action.
Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 14 August 2024. As of this year, Africa has recorded 7,535 cumulative Mpox cases and 32 deaths.
Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, is a viral infection that spreads through close contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and muscle aches. The incubation period ranges from 3 to 21 days, and while Mpox usually resolves on its own within three to four weeks, it can be severe for individuals with compromised immunity or co-existing health conditions.
