Zimbabwe has confirmed its first two cases of mpox, according to a statement issued by Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Childcare on Sunday, Reuters reported.
The Ministry did not specify the variant of the virus. Health authorities are currently conducting contact tracing.
The first case involves an 11-year-old boy who developed symptoms after returning from a trip to South Africa last month.
The second case is a 24-year-old man who fell ill following travel to Tanzania. The cases were reported in Harare, the nation’s capital, and the southern town of Mberengwa.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has been spreading across the African continent. In August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, citing the emergence of a new, more transmissible variant known as “clade 1b.”
The variant has raised international concern due to its increased ability to spread through routine close contact.
Zimbabwean health officials are assuring the public that the situation is under control. “The Ministry of Health and Childcare wishes to reassure the public that the situation is under control and urges the Zimbabwean public not to panic,” said Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora in a statement.
Neighboring countries have also reported cases, with Zambia confirming its first case of mpox last week. As with Zimbabwe, Zambian authorities did not identify the variant.
Mpox typically causes flu-like symptoms and distinctive pus-filled lesions. While it is generally mild, the infection can sometimes be fatal.
Both patients in Zimbabwe are reportedly recovering, but the country’s health authorities are urging continued vigilance as they work to contain the spread of the virus.