Malawi reports 2 suspected Mpox cases, on high alert
Ministry of Health says the country has two suspected Mpox cases, both recorded in Blantyre, but their confirmation awaits laboratory test results.
Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda told the media in Blantyre yesterday that the two suspected cases involve a 31-year-old man who has been isolated at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (Qech) and a 17-year-old boy being managed at home.
She said: “The first one was admitted to the hospital for another condition, but developed Mpox symptoms while for the second suspect, his parents alerted health workers about his symptoms. We have taken their samples for laboratory confirmation.”
Kandodo Chiponda said Malawi has not confirmed any case of Mpox, but the country is at great risk as the disease is a global threat.
Qech director Kelvin Mponda said the results of the laboratory test for the first patient were expected yesterday while for the second patient, they will be known today.
He said the identification of the two suspected cases should reassure the public that healthcare workers in the country are vigilant in detecting Mpox.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has assured the public that it is on high alert and conducting surveillance to respond to any Mpox case that may occur in the country.
In a statement on Monday, the ministry said it is working with partners to implement preparedness measures, including surveillance and detection, risk communication and community engagement and logistics mobilisation.
The ministry further said it has engaged development partners on the possibility of accessing Mpox vaccines, which are currently not available in the country.
Last week, the African Centre for Diseases Control declared Mpox a public health emergency of continental security while the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the disease as a public health emergency of international concern.
To date, there are 17 541 cases and 517 deaths recorded in 13 African countries this year. The majority of cases have been recorded in southern Africa with the Democratic Republic of the Congo accounting for over 90 percent of cases and deaths.
Mpox, a viral infection caused by the Mpox virus, is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as beddings.
Its symptoms include fever, an extensive characteristic rash and usually swollen lymph nodes.
The ministry has advised the public to observe prevention measures, including regular hand-washing with soap, avoiding physical contact with someone who has the disease or contaminated materials and reporting early to the nearest health facility if one experiences early symptoms.
