Zim allays monkeypox fears

Harare (New Ziana)-Zimbabwe has not recorded any cases of monkey pox, but authorities remain on high alert, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said on Tuesday.

Monkeypox has been reported in 19 endemic and non- endemic countries within and outside Africa.

As of 26th May 2022, a total of 257 confirmed, and 120 suspected, cases had been reported, but no deaths so far.

In a statement, the Ministry urged those with symptoms similar to monkeypox to report to the nearest health centre.

“The Ministry of Health and Child Care wishes to reassure the public that currently no cases have been reported in Zimbabwe, but it is monitoring the evolving situation of the outbreak in other countries with keen interest.

“The Ministry has also placed its structures on high alert . Anyone who suspects that they have similar symptoms as that of monkey pox should report to the nearest health facility,” the Ministry said.

Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonotic disease endemic to central and west Africa. It spreads through contact with people, animals or material infected with the virus.

Symptoms of the disease include rash, fever , headache , muscle ache, swelling and back pain.

There is currently no proven treatment for monkeypox virus infection but the disease resolves on its own within a few weeks.

Some of the measures to control monkeypox include avoiding contact with animals that could harbor the virus and practising good hand hygiene such as washing hands with soap and water.

New Ziana