Zambia reports first MPox case, variant unclear | The mighty 790 KFGO

LUSAKA (Reuters) – Zambia’s health ministry reported the country’s first case of Mpox on Thursday, without disclosing which variant was recorded.

The World Health Organization declared MPOX a global health emergency in August for the second time in two years as a new variant of the viral infection spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring African countries.

The new strain, Class 1b, has caused concern worldwide because it appears to spread more easily through routine close contact.

Zambia’s first case of MPOX was discovered in a 32-year-old Tanzanian national who arrived in Zambia in early September before traveling through the southern African country and developed symptoms including muscle pain, fatigue and a sore throat on October 2.

“Given the patient’s extensive travel history and interactions at multiple locations in Zambia, there is an increased risk of local transmission and possible cross-border spread,” the Ministry of Health said in a statement, adding that contact tracing was underway.

The male patient is being treated at a rural health center.

“We have increased risk communication and community engagement in all areas that the individual has passed through since entering Zambia. “Our surveillance and response teams across the country remain on high alert for further cases of Mpox,” the Health Ministry statement said.

Mpox typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. It is usually mild but can be fatal.

(Reporting by Chris Mfula; Writing by Tannur Anders; Editing by Alexander Winning)