By Tatenda Gabi
Zimbabwe has reported two confirmed cases of the Mpox virus, but the government reassures citizens that the situation is under control. Both individuals are currently in home isolation, and officials urge the public not to panic.
Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora announced the cases yesterday in Harare, just two months after the World Health Organization declared Mpox a public health emergency due to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In August, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also classified Mpox as a continental public health emergency.
Minister Mombeshora provided details about the cases during a press briefing. The first case involves an 11-year-old boy who traveled to South Africa in August and returned to Zimbabwe on September 10. He showed symptoms on September 23 and is now in isolation at home, where he is no longer infectious. Seven contacts from that case are being monitored.
The second case is a 24-year-old man with a travel history to Tanzania in September. He developed symptoms on September 29 and is also in isolation.
In response to these cases, the Ministry of Health has placed its structures on high alert, particularly at all ports of entry. The national and subnational incident management systems have been activated to ensure effective monitoring and containment.
Public health expert Dr. Johannes Marisa emphasized the importance of remaining calm and implementing public health measures. He noted the need to prevent the spread of Mpox, especially given recent cases in neighboring Zambia. “Mitigatory and containment measures are essential to reduce person-to-person transmission,” he said, urging robust case management and increased health awareness campaigns.
Itai Rusike, executive director of the Community Working Group on Health, highlighted the importance of public information regarding Mpox. He urged citizens to stay informed about the outbreak in Harare and Mberengwa, stressing that an outbreak in one area can have widespread implications, similar to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rusike encouraged vigilance among the public, advocating for good personal hygiene, minimizing unnecessary contact with suspected individuals, and maintaining proper infection prevention measures in homes, communities, and healthcare settings.
Globally, since the onset of the Mpox outbreak, there have been 7,535 confirmed cases and 32 deaths. The Zimbabwean government is committed to keeping the public informed and safe during this time.
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