Mpox update in Kenya as of January 17, 2025
Total number of cases reported so far is 33.
2mon agoWILLIAM WANYOIKEInfographics
The two confirmed infected individuals have symptoms such as rash, fever, and headache, as well as pain in the body and throat, the Tanzanian Health Ministry said on Monday, adding that the patients have been placed in isolation.
The Tanzanian Health Ministry has confirmed the first two cases of mpox in the country.
"After receiving the reports of people with symptoms, samples were taken and sent to the national laboratory for testing. On Saturday, laboratory tests confirmed that two patients were infected with the virus that causes the disease known as Mpox. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to date to two," read the statement by the Tanzanian Health Ministry.
One of the infected is a truck driver who entered Tanzania from a neighbouring state, according to the statement.
The government continues to strengthen disease surveillance at all levels, testing people entering and leaving the country through its borders, increasing health awareness, and mobilizing the community to ensure that citizens can take preventive measures, the ministry added.
Mpox is a rare infectious disease. It is usually a mild disease that most people recover from within a few weeks, but some may develop complications. Initial symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, enlarged lymph nodes, chills and fatigue.
A rash may develop, often starting on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body.
The World Health Organization declared the mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern in August.
Meanwhile, after the Ministry of Health issued a statement on February 20 warning of a worrying situation with the Marburg virus in the northern Kagera region, the ministry noted on Monday that 41 days have passed since the last confirmed case of Marburg was reported.
