Harare – The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring the recent reports of two confirmed cases of mpox in Zimbabwe. These cases mark the first instances of the virus in the country.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care, on 13 October 2024, confirmed that the affected individuals, a 11-year-old male from Mberengwa and a 24-year-old male from Harare, are currently in isolation and receiving appropriate care. The 11-year-old male had traveled to South Africa in August 2024 and returned to Zimbabwe on September 10, 2024. Symptoms developed on September 23, 2024. The second case is a 24-year-old male with a travel history to Tanzania in September 2024. He developed symptoms on September 29, 2024, which was 8 days since his return to Zimbabwe.

Both patients are stable and recovering.

Contact tracing has been initiated to identify and monitor individuals who may have been exposed. 

WHO is working closely with the Government of Zimbabwe to support the country's preparedness and response efforts related to these cases. Efforts include providing technical guidance, risk assessment, and facilitating access to essential supplies and equipment. Additionally, WHO is working to raise awareness about mpox and promote preventive measures among the public and healthcare workers.

Mpox is a rare viral infection caused by the mpox virus, which is endemic in Central and West Africa. It spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with contaminated materials. 

WHO urges the public to be vigilant and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, rash, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

For more information on mpox and WHO's response, please visit here: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mpox