Staff Reporter
Government under the Ministry of Health and Child Care has heightened its alertness in response to an ongoing outbreak of M-Pox (formerly known as Monkey Pox) in several non-endemic countries, including neighboring South Africa.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care, under the leadership of Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, has issued a statement to inform the public of the potential threat and preventive measures being undertaken.
M-Pox is a rare viral infection endemic to Central and West Africa. The virus spreads through close contact with infected people, animals, or contaminated materials. Dr. Mombeshora emphasized the importance of public awareness, stating, “M-Pox is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox, and symptoms are similar, but it is not related to chickenpox.
The symptoms of M-Pox include fever, a rash resembling pimples or blisters, headache, muscle and backaches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough. These symptoms generally last between two to four weeks, though the disease can be more severe in some cases,” Minister Mombeshora informed.
He further outlined several preventive measures that individuals can take to reduce the risk of infection.
“Preventive measures of monkey pox include avoiding contact with animals that could harbor the virus, especially in areas where M-Pox is known to occur, avoiding materials that have been in contact with sick animals or people, isolating infected patients, practicing good hand hygiene, and using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients,” Dr Mombeshora said
He further reassured the public, saying, “The Ministry of Health and Child Care wishes to reassure the public that currently no cases have been reported in Zimbabwe.
“Citizens should report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility as soon as possible or to use the Ministry’s toll-free hotline,” Minister Mombeshora added.
However, while no cases of M-Pox have been reported in Zimbabwe so far, Government is closely monitoring the situation and has placed its healthcare structures on high alert. Preparedness and response activities are actively being conducted across the country.
