By Chinoyi Chipulu
Health minister Dr Elijah Muchima has warned of heightened risk of Mpox transmission following the first case involving a 32-year old Tanzanian who has extensively travelled across Zambia.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox is a rare disease similar to small pox caused by a virus.
It presents flu like symptoms such as fever and chills, and a rash that can take weeks to clear.
In a statement, Health Dr Elijah Muchima confirmed the incident stating that that the man went to Mukando health post to seek medical health care presenting symptoms of muscle aches, fatigue, and sore throat but upon investigation, it was reported that the individual had travelled from Tanzania to Nakonde border post September 2, 2024.
Dr Muchima stated that from Nakonde, he travelled to Mukambo Border where he stayed until September 23, 2024 and returned to Central Province in October 2024.
He stated that on October 2, the man visited Mukando Clinic in Chitambo district where he was diagnosed with chickenpox and suspected Mpox by an alert health worker.
“As a result of this suspicion for Mpox, the health workers collected blood samples which were sent to the Zambia National Public Health Reference Laboratory on October 5th, 2024. The individual in question was treated as an outpatient,” Dr Muchima stated.
He stated that the Zambia National Public Health Reference Laboratory (ZNPHRL) reported that the samples had tested positive for Mpox three days later.
“The patient was located in Chitambo District and is currently admitted at a Rural Health Centre along Tuta Road. Given the patient’s extensive travel history and interactions at multiple points in Zambia, there is heightened risk of local transmission and potential cross-border spread,” he stated.
He stated that following the confirmation of the test results, the Ministry of Health through the Zambia National Public Health Institute had heightened surveillance and was conducting contact tracing.
“We have intensified risk communication and community engagement in all the areas that the individual had passed through since he entered Zambia. Our surveillance and response teams across the country remain on high alert for any further cases of Mpox,” he stated.
Dr Muchima stated that government would be deploying rapid response teams to support the teams at sub-national level.
“Furthermore, we will ensure that case management and Infection Prevention and Control supplies are distributed to all our high risk areas first and other provinces for preparedness. Although Zambia has recorded only one confirmed Mpox case that was imported, it is important to continue active case searches and monitoring possible local and cross-border transmission,” read the statement in part.
“In light of the confirmation of a case of Mpox in Zambia, it is imperative that we all do our part to ensure that we stay safe and protect our communities. Some key safety measures include avoiding close contact, stay away from individuals showing symptoms of Mpox, such as rash or sores. Avoid skin-to-skin contact, especially if you see unusual lesions.
