The City of Harare, department of Health has issued a statement stating that it is on high alert for Mpox (formerly monekypox) disease which has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by WHO. According to the City of Harare statement, 96 percent of cases have been recorded in DRC. However, Uganda, and Rwanda are among the 16 African countries that have been affected. There is currently no definitive treatment for the disease except supportive treatment. Vaccination prevents the disease but the vaccines are in short supply.

What are the symptoms of mpox disease?

• Common symptoms are skin rash or pus-filled lesions which can last two to four weeks.
• The rashes can be located anywhere on the body and some people may only have one, while others can have hundreds or more.

Other symptoms are:

• Fever
• Chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Exhaustion
• Muscle aches and backache
• Headache
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)