Zimbabwe reports first two mpox cases of unspecified variant
October 13, 2024
Zimbabwe has confirmed its first two mpox cases: an 11-year-old boy who traveled to South Africa and a 24-year-old man who visited Tanzania. Both patients are recovering, with contact tracing underway. The cases were detected in Harare and Mberengwa. This comes as the WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency in August due to the spread of a new, more transmissible "clade 1b" variant from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Zimbabwe's Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora assures the public that the situation is under control. Neighboring Zambia also reported its first case recently.
Zimbabwe has reported its first two cases of mpox, marking a significant development in the spread of the virus in Southern Africa. The health ministry announced the cases without specifying which variant had been detected, raising concerns about the potential presence of the new, more transmissible strain.
The first case involves an 11-year-old boy who developed symptoms in October after traveling to South Africa. The second case is a 24-year-old man who fell ill following a trip to Tanzania. Both patients are currently recovering, and health authorities have initiated contact tracing to prevent further spread. The cases were identified in two separate locations: the capital city Harare and the southern town of Mberengwa.
This development comes in the wake of the World Health Organization's August declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency for the second time in two years. The declaration was prompted by the spread of a new variant, dubbed "clade 1b," from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring African countries. This variant has caused particular concern due to its apparent ability to spread more easily through routine close contact.
In response to these cases, Zimbabwe's Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora issued a statement reassuring the public that the situation is under control and urging citizens not to panic. This measured response aims to balance awareness with calm as the country addresses its first confirmed cases.
The regional context is also significant, with neighboring Zambia reporting its first mpox case just last week, though the strain was not disclosed. These developments highlight the ongoing challenge of containing the spread of mpox across borders in Africa.
Mpox typically presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While usually mild, it can be fatal in some cases. As Zimbabwe and its neighbors grapple with these new cases, the situation underscores the importance of continued vigilance and international cooperation in managing emerging health threats.