Zimbabwe Reports Two Mpox Cases; Patients Isolated and Recovering at Home
The ministry emphasized that both Zimbabwe cases are no longer infectious, but urged vigilance as they continue to monitor the situation.
HARARE, Zimbabwe— Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Child Care announced Monday that the country has confirmed two cases of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, writes Winston Mwale.
The cases were reported in Harare and Mberengwa, with both patients currently isolated at home and receiving treatment.
"Both cases are in isolation at home, and are receiving appropriate care," the ministry said in a statement. "Both cases are stable and recovering."
The first case involves an 11-year-old boy who travelled to South Africa in August and developed symptoms on Sept. 23.
The second case is a 24-year-old man who returned from Tanzania on Sept. 21 and showed symptoms on Sept. 29.
Health officials are monitoring seven contacts of the first patient and conducting contact tracing for the second case.
The announcement comes two months after the Africa Centre for Disease Control declared Mpox a "Public Health Emergency of Continental Security" on Aug. 13.
The World Health Organization followed suit on Aug. 14, designating it a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern."
According to the ministry, Africa has reported 7,535 confirmed Mpox cases and 32 deaths so far in 2024.
The ministry emphasized that both Zimbabwe cases are no longer infectious, but urged vigilance as they continue to monitor the situation.