KEY POINTS
- Mpox spreads through close contact with infected individuals or materials.
- Both cases in Zimbabwe are in home isolation and under monitoring.
- Health experts warn of risks from neighboring outbreaks and urge caution.
Zimbabwe has confirmed two cases of Mpox, with both patients in home isolation, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora announced Monday. Authorities urged the public to remain calm, saying the situation is under control.
Zimbabwe confirms two Mpox cases in Harare and Mberengwa
The announcement comes two months after the World Health Organization declared Mpox a public health emergency, following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In August, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also declared the virus a public health emergency of continental security.
Mombeshora said the two cases were recorded in Harare and Mberengwa.
“The first case is an 11-year-old boy who travelled to South Africa in August and returned to Zimbabwe on Sept. 10. He developed symptoms on Sept. 23 and is now in home isolation, no longer infectious. Seven contacts are being monitored,” Mombeshora said.
He added that the second patient is a 24-year-old man who travelled to Tanzania in September and developed symptoms on Sept. 29.
“He is also in home isolation, no longer infectious. Contact tracing is underway,” Mombeshora said.
Mpox, caused by a virus endemic to Central and West Africa, spreads through close contact with infected people, animals, or contaminated materials.
Symptoms include fever, headache, rash (which may resemble pimples or blisters), sore throat, congestion, cough, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue. The incubation period ranges from three to 21 days, with symptoms typically developing over two to four weeks.
Most cases are mild, but the disease can be severe for people with compromised immune systems or underlying conditions. Mombeshora said Mpox is usually self-limiting, resolving within three to four weeks with supportive care.
Health ministry urges calm, emphasizes hygiene and preventive measures
He advised the public to avoid sharing clothes and to isolate symptomatic individuals. “Good hygiene is essential—wash hands regularly and use hand sanitiser. Avoid sexual contact with infected persons and wear protective equipment when caring for patients,” Mombeshora said.
According to a report by Newsday, public health expert Johannes Marisa stressed the importance of containment. “We must focus on reducing transmission and strengthening surveillance,” he said, adding that border screening should be tightened.
Itai Rusike, head of the Community Working Group on Health, called for public awareness. “An outbreak anywhere can spread everywhere,” he warned, urging vigilance and adherence to infection prevention measures.
Globally, Mpox has resulted in 7,535 confirmed cases and 32 deaths.
