By Burnett Munthali
A 27-year-old man residing in Area 9, Lilongwe, has been diagnosed with monkeypox, marking the latest confirmed case in Malawi.
This new case brings the total number of confirmed monkeypox patients in the country to twelve.
Health authorities have expressed concern over the rising number of infections and are urging the public to remain cautious and alert.
According to the Ministry of Health, efforts are underway to trace contacts and monitor symptoms in people who may have interacted with confirmed patients.
The ministry has emphasized the importance of adhering to preventive measures to curb the further spread of the virus.
Among the recommended precautions are avoiding close contact with people showing symptoms, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding the consumption of bush meat.
People are also being advised to promptly report any rashes, fever, or swollen lymph nodes to nearby health facilities.
Health surveillance teams have been deployed in high-risk areas to conduct community awareness and screening activities.
The Ministry of Health has further reiterated that monkeypox, while not as deadly as smallpox, still poses a serious public health risk if not contained.
Meanwhile, several countries in Africa continue to report cases of monkeypox, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ghana.
Cross-border travel and limited access to medical infrastructure have been cited as contributing factors to the spread of the virus across the continent.
In response, regional health bodies such as the Africa CDC are coordinating efforts to improve detection, response, and vaccination where available.
As Malawi deals with its latest cases, authorities are calling on citizens to take responsibility in preventing the virus from spreading further.
With no specific cure currently available, public cooperation remains the most effective weapon in the fight against monkeypox.
