Health officials in Moyo District have confirmed receiving a case of suspected Mpox disease.
Moyo district Health Officer, Dr Franklin Iddi, says blood samples have been collected from the suspected patient and will be taken for testing soon.
“For sure we have registered one suspected case where the person is showing signs and symptoms of Mpox. He is currently admitted in Isolation at Laropi Health Center in Laropi Town Council awaiting samples to be collected,” he said.
He however says there is no need to worry at the moment because health officials are on high alert, urging the general public to continue observing preventive measures like regular hand washing.
Mpox is transmitted through close contact with an infected person and causes rashes, flu-like symptoms, and pus-filled lesions.
The disease can be dangerous for children, pregnant women, and those with suppressed immune systems. Mpox is also associated with high-grade fever, swelling of lymph nodes, headaches, and body weakness.
Mpox has been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than a decade, and the number of cases reported each year has increased steadily over that period.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), reported cases increased significantly last year, and the number of cases reported so far this year has exceeded last year’s total, with more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths.
WHO says vaccination can help prevent the infection. The vaccine should be given within 4 days of contact with someone who has Mpox (or within up to 14 days if there are no symptoms).
