Ministry of Health Confirms Two New Monkeypox Cases in Zimbabwe

By Burnett Munthali

The Ministry of Health and Child Care in Zimbabwe has confirmed two new cases of monkeypox, marking the latest instance of the disease, which has seen a resurgence globally. The two cases, which are classified as imports, were detected in individuals who had recently traveled from regions experiencing outbreaks. Both patients are currently in isolation and receiving appropriate medical care, officials have confirmed.

• Desperation on the Highway: Women Collect Maize Spilled from Moving Truck as Hunger Bites Malawi
  By Mabvuto Kalawa – Malawi Freedom Network correspondent Along the busy M1 Road near Nathenje, a group of women were…
• Rev. Kawalala Urges Unity and Vision Ahead of DLGF Conference on Revitalising Malawi’s Economy
  By Burnett Munthali Chairperson for the Dynamic Leaders and Gatekeepers Forum (DLGF), Reverend Zacc Kawalala, has called for national unity…
• FDH Bank Attributes K74 Billion Profit to Staff Dedication Amid Economic Challenges
  By Burnett Munthali FDH Bank Plc has credited the dedication and hard work of its employees for the institution’s remarkable…
• Venezuela vote: Turnout figure ‘tampered with’
  Reported by BBC on 2 August 2017 Turnout numbers for Venezuela’s controversial vote on Sunday were allegedly tampered with, according…
• Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu Now Fully Registered, Says Secretary Kondowe
  By Burnett Munthali Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu led by Michael Usi, is now officially recognized as a registered political party…
• OXFAM to Implement Improving Communities’ Livelihoods Resilience for Healthy Lives in Dowa
  By Vincent Gunde Oxfam, a prominent international organization, reports that Malawi’s economy is highly reliant on agriculture, with more than…
• Chipani cha Odyazake Aibe Mulandu, chavomerezedwa mwalamulo — A Happy Kondowe atsimikiza
  By Burnett Munthali Chipani cha Odyazake Alibe Mulandu, chomwe mtsogoleri wake ndi Michael Usi, tsopano chavomerezedwa mwalamulo kutsatira kulembetsedwa kwake…
• Mtalimanja will declare you winner through Smartmatic rigging not votes- Kalua tells Chakwera
  Freedom Fighter and activist Kamlepo Kalua has joined President Lazarus Chakwera, who has been standing on a podium that he…

Addressing journalists in Harare, Dr. Douglas Moshara, the Ministry’s spokesperson, reassured the public that the situation is under control. “The two individuals have been placed in isolation in line with health protocols and are receiving the necessary treatment. Our teams are closely monitoring their conditions, and contact tracing has begun to prevent any further spread,” Dr. Moshara stated.

Monkeypox, a viral disease similar to smallpox but generally less severe, can cause fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. While most cases result in mild symptoms, severe cases can occur, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems. The disease is typically transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal or through material contaminated with the virus.

The Ministry urged the public not to panic but to remain vigilant and adhere to health guidelines. “We have put in place strict measures to ensure that the disease does not spread. However, we advise the public to be cautious and report any symptoms of monkeypox, such as fever, skin lesions, or swollen lymph nodes, to the nearest health facility,” Dr. Moshara added.

In addition to isolation and contact tracing, the Ministry is working with international health organizations to monitor the situation and ensure that Zimbabwe’s health facilities are prepared to handle any potential spread of the disease. Health workers have also been put on high alert, with additional training provided on the management of monkeypox cases.

The confirmation of these two new cases follows a global increase in monkeypox infections, prompting many countries, including Zimbabwe, to strengthen surveillance at border posts and airports. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued advisories to countries to monitor any imported cases and ensure rapid response mechanisms are in place.

Zimbabwe had not previously reported any significant outbreaks of monkeypox, but the global movement of people due to travel and trade has raised concerns about the virus crossing borders. The Ministry of Health is continuing to work with regional and international partners to prevent further transmission and ensure public health safety.

As Zimbabwe battles other health challenges, including the ongoing fight against COVID-19, the Ministry emphasized the need for continued cooperation from the public in following hygiene and preventive measures to limit the spread of infectious diseases.

For now, the identified cases remain isolated, and authorities remain optimistic that with proper containment strategies in place, the spread of monkeypox will be curbed in the country.