Zimbabwe’s Health Ministry has confirmed two cases of mpox (monkeypox) in individuals who recently travelled to South Africa and Tanzania. According to a statement issued by Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, both patients are stable, no longer contagious, and are receiving care in isolation at their respective homes.
The first case involves an 11-year-old boy who returned to Zimbabwe on 10 September after a trip to South Africa in August. He began showing symptoms on 23 September and has since been placed in isolation. The minister emphasised that the child is no longer infectious, and seven contacts linked to this case have been identified and are currently under observation.
The second case concerns a 24-year-old male with a history of travel to Tanzania. The patient is also in home isolation and is no longer considered a public health risk. Contact tracing and monitoring efforts are underway to mitigate any potential further spread of the disease.
Dr Mombeshora reassured the public that Zimbabwe’s health authorities are managing the situation effectively and there is no need for widespread concern. “The cases are under control, and our healthcare system remains vigilant. We urge the public to remain calm and to report any suspected cases to their nearest health facilities for prompt intervention,” he said.
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease that primarily occurs in Central and West African countries but has emerged in various global regions in recent years. It is generally transmitted through close contact with an infected individual or animal. Although most cases result in mild symptoms, including fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, complications can occur in some individuals, particularly those with weakened immune systems. In recent years, global health organisations have been closely monitoring mpox outbreaks due to concerns over international transmission and potential public health implications.
In Zimbabwe, health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, conducting contact tracing and reinforcing public health measures to contain the virus. The Ministry of Health has advised the public to maintain strict hygiene practices, seek medical attention if they exhibit symptoms, and avoid unnecessary travel to high-risk areas.
With Zimbabwe now joining the list of countries reporting confirmed mpox cases, regional cooperation in monitoring and response is becoming ever more critical, particularly in countries with frequent cross-border travel, such as South Africa and Tanzania. According to the World Health Organisation, Africa has seen a rise in reported mpox cases since the global outbreak in mid-2022, prompting governments to bolster public health defences.
