Roseline Mutare
Masvingo Provincial Medical Director, Dr. Amadeus Shamu, has assured the public that the province is fully prepared to handle any potential monkey pox (Mpox) cases, following the confirmation of two cases in Zimbabwe.
Speaking in a phone call interview with The Midweek Watch, Dr. Shamu shared how the ministry is taking measures to combat the deadly disease.
“We have activated our incident management system and trained healthcare workers on integrated disease surveillance and response, we are conducting awareness campaigns and distributing information education communication materials to ensure the community is well-informed,” said Dr. Shamu.
Dr. Shamu added that enhanced surveillance is in place at all ports of entry and community-based surveillance systems have been established.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health and Child Care, Douglas Mombeshora, in a statement, said Zimbabwe now has two confirmed Mpox cases, one in Harare and another in Mberengwa. Both patients are in stable condition and recovering in self-isolation.
The Minister reassured the public that the situation is under control and urged citizens not to panic.
“Any persons with symptoms should report to the nearest health facility immediately. We have placed all our structures on high alert, including at all ports of entry,”
“The Ministry has developed an Mpox preparedness and response plan, activated national and subnational incident management systems, and trained healthcare workers,” reads the statement.
The Minister emphasized that, the symptoms include fever, rash, headache, muscle ache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion.
The disease is self-limiting, resolving on its own within three to four weeks. Prevention measures include avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals, sharing personal items, and practicing good hygiene.
Mpox, formerly known as Monkey pox, was declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security by Africa Centre for Disease Control on August 13, 2024, and a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by World Health Organization on August 14, 2024.
The public is urged to report suspected cases to the nearest health facility.
