Zambia’s health ministry announced on Thursday the detection of the country’s first mpox case, though the specific variant has not been identified.
In August, the World Health Organization declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following the emergence of a new variant that spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries.
The recently identified clade 1b strain has raised concerns due to its potential for easier transmission through close contact.
The initial mpox case in Zambia involves a 32-year-old Tanzanian national who entered the country in early September. After traveling across southern Zambia, the individual began experiencing symptoms, including muscle aches, fatigue, and a sore throat, on October 2.
In a statement, the health ministry highlighted the increased risk of local transmission and possible cross-border spread due to the patient’s extensive travel and interactions in multiple locations throughout Zambia. Contact tracing efforts are currently underway.
The patient is receiving treatment at a rural health center.
“The ministry has intensified risk communication and community engagement in areas the individual visited since arriving in Zambia. Our surveillance and response teams nationwide are on high alert for any additional mpox cases,” the statement continued.
Mpox typically presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While the disease is usually mild, it can be fatal in some instances.
