By Staff ReporterTHE Ministry of Health and Child Care has warned the public to be on high alert over the risk of an outbreak of Mpox, despite the country having no confirmed cases to date.In a statement, the ministry said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reaffirmed that Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, “continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).”Mpox, a viral disease related to smallpox, has resurged in several regions, including non-endemic countries According to the ministry, “localised person-to-person transmission has been documented, often through household contact and healthcare-associated exposure, particularly in settings lacking appropriate protective measures.”The WHO is reporting ongoing outbreaks across Africa, including some Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, raising fears of cross-border spread.“This poses a heightened risk of cross-border transmission,” the ministry cautioned.In response, Zimbabwe has “scaled up disease surveillance and reinforced screening measures at all Points of Entry (PoEs).”The ministry urged the public to strictly follow WHO-recommended preventive measures, warning including avoiding physical contact with individuals showing symptoms of Mpox, sharing clothes, bedding and towels among other things.The ministry also encouraged the public to be vigilant and act swiftly if they suspect infection “Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility promptly,” it said.Mpox spreads primarily through close contact and can cause fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, sometimes leading to severe illness THE Ministry of Health and Child Care has warned the public to be on high alert over the risk of an outbreak of Mpox, despite the country having no confirmed cases to date
In a statement, the ministry said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reaffirmed that Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, “continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).”
Mpox, a viral disease related to smallpox, has resurged in several regions, including non-endemic countries According to the ministry, “localised person-to-person transmission has been documented, often through household contact and healthcare-associated exposure, particularly in settings lacking appropriate protective measures.”
The WHO is reporting ongoing outbreaks across Africa, including some Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, raising fears of cross-border spread “This poses a heightened risk of cross-border transmission,” the ministry cautioned In response, Zimbabwe has “scaled up disease surveillance and reinforced screening measures at all Points of Entry (PoEs).”
The ministry urged the public to strictly follow WHO-recommended preventive measures, warning including avoiding physical contact with individuals showing symptoms of Mpox, sharing clothes, bedding and towels among other things
The ministry also encouraged the public to be vigilant and act swiftly if they suspect infection “Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility promptly,” it said Mpox spreads primarily through close contact and can cause fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, sometimes leading to severe illness.
Source: Newzimbabwe
