Nhau News Online News that is accurate, reliable, trustworthy!!
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has urged the public to remain on high alert over Mpox, warning that the risk of an outbreak remains high despite no confirmed cases in the country.
In a statement, the ministry said the World Health Organisation (WHO) “continues to classify Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).”
“Localised person-to-person transmission has been documented, often through household contact and healthcare-associated exposure, particularly in settings lacking appropriate protective measures,” the ministry said.
It warned that with ongoing outbreaks in several African countries, including some in the SADC region, “this poses a heightened risk of cross-border transmission.”
Zimbabwe has “scaled up disease surveillance and reinforced screening measures at all Points of Entry (PoEs)” as part of preventive action.
The ministry urged citizens to follow WHO-recommended measures, including avoiding physical contact with anyone showing symptoms of Mpox and not sharing clothes, bedding or towels.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility promptly,” the statement added.
Mpox, a viral disease related to smallpox, spreads mainly through close contact and can cause fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes, sometimes leading to severe illness.
