The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has assured the nation that there are no Monkey Pox cases recorded in the country so far but it is monitoring the evolving situation of the outbreak in other countries.
Staff Reporter
Monkey Pox is a rare zoonotic disease endemic to Central and West Africa. It spreads through close contact with people, animals and materials with the virus. Symptoms of the disease include rash,fever,headache, muscle ache and back pain. The symptoms are similar but milder than the symptoms of small pox.
In a statement the Ministry of Health and Child Care said “ As of 26th of May 2020, a total of 257 laboratory confirmed cases and 120 suspected cases had been reported and zero deaths have been reported in non endemic areas.
“MoHCC wishes to assure the public that no cases have been reported in Zimbabwe, but it is monitoring the evolving situation of the outbreak in other countries with keen interest.The Ministry has also placed its structures on high alert. Anyone who suspects that they have similar symptoms as that of the monkey pox should report to the nearest health facility as soon as possible or call our toll free line 2019 for assistance,” reads the statement.
The preventative measures of Monkey pox are avoiding contact with animals that could harbour virus including animals that are sick or that have been found dead from unknown causes, avoiding contact with materials such as bedding and cloth that have been in contact with the sick person or animal suspected to have Monkey Pox infection.
Also, isolating suspected infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection,practising good hygiene which includes washing of hands with soap and water or use of alcohol based hand sanitizer and use of personal protective equipment when caring for infected person.
No Monkey Pox Cases In Zim:MoHCC
