Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Zambia has reported its second confirmed mpox case, nearly three months after the first case was detected.
According to Douglas Syakalima on Friday, Zambia’s acting health minister, the latest case involves a 34-year-old woman from Kitwe in Copperbelt Province. Her husband, who works in a neighbouring country with confirmed mpox cases, experienced similar symptoms earlier this month.
“Both are now stable and under close monitoring. A rapid response team has been deployed to trace contacts and prevent further spread,” said Syakalima.
Eight close contacts are currently under observation, and surveillance efforts have been heightened nationwide. With mpox continuing to pose a cross-border threat, Syakalima urged citizens to take preventive measures, including avoiding close contact, practicing proper hygiene, and using personal protective equipment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported nearly 14,000 mpox cases, including 60 deaths, across 20 African countries.
The Democratic Republic of Congo remains the most affected country, with 9,513 confirmed cases and 43 deaths, followed by Burundi and Uganda. The WHO has announced the availability of 4.7 million vaccine doses for future allocation to mpox-affected countries globally.
As the mpox outbreak continues to spread across Africa, health officials are urging citizens to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent further transmission.
With the availability of vaccines and heightened surveillance efforts, authorities are working to curb the spread of the disease and protect public health.
