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.

• NBM Under-23 Championship launch Sunday
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc is set to launch the second season of its Under-23 NBM Championship at Rumphi Stadium on Sunday , as the bank strengthens its investment in grassroots football.  Following its inaugural season in 2025, the competition returns with a K600 million allocation…
• Man Fights for Life After Train Runs Over Him in Lilongwe
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera, MFN ReporterOctober 23, 2026 A 35-year-old man is fighting for his life at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe after a train ran over him while he was sleeping on a railway line in the Kanengo Industrial Area. The man, identified as Dyson Kumalinga, sustained severe head…
• Omar Ayatu Athandiza Azimayi Achisilamu Kupita ku Ijitima
  Share Listen to this article Olemba: Prince Hassan Wochita malonda, Omar Ayatu, wa ku Chimwala m’boma la Mangochi, wathandiza gulu la azimayi achisilamu la Chimwala Dawa Group ndi ndalama zothandizira ulendo wawo wopita ku Ijitima ku Salima. Thandizoli labwera potsatira pempho lomwe azimayiwa anapereka kwa Ayatu kuti awathandize kukwaniritsa cholinga chawo chopita ku Ijitima.Also interestingLocal»Five…
• “Is APM Still the Ansah?” — MCP Questions Leadership as Namalomba Defends President’s Absence
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter23 October 2026 The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has questioned the country’s leadership arrangements following President Peter Mutharika’s absence from Malawi, prompting Information Minister Shadreck Namalomba to defend the President amid growing economic challenges. MCP officials Moses Kunkuyu and Jessie Kabwila have questioned Mutharika’s private trip…
• The Walkers in kidney health awareness walk Saturday
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera The Walkers Social Club, a group of diverse professionals who walk every Saturday morning, will this Saturday engage in a kidney health awareness walk in collaboration with Mphukira Foundation. The walk will start at 5am at HS Winehouse in Namiwawa through Chilomoni and climb the Michiru Mountain…
• Blantyre Mayor Jomo Osman Urges Prayers as Malawi Fuel Crisis Deepens
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter Blantyre Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman has called on Malawians to pray for the country amid a fuel shortage that he says is causing significant hardship for people on the ground. Osman described the situation as distressing, questioning how leaders in positions of power could sleep…
• Five Malawi Police Officers Suspended Over Alleged Theft and Firearms Sale
  Share Listen to this article By MFN News Desk Team Five police officers have been suspended from duty over various alleged offences, including theft and the sale of firearms and ammunition. The suspension has been confirmed in a letter signed by Lael Chimtembo, the Deputy Director responsible for Human Resource Management.Also interestingLocal»Omar Ayatu Athandiza Azimayi…
• Imran Jumbe Warns DPP Against Internal Sabotage, Demands Probe into Umodzi Park Leadership
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera, MFN ReporterOctober 22, 2026 Political commentator Imran Jumbe has urged the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leadership to investigate concerns surrounding the management of Umodzi Park Holdings, warning that alleged misconduct and poor leadership within government institutions could undermine public confidence in the administration. In a strongly…

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.