Tanzania reports first Mpox cases, patients placed in isolation

Authorities have stepped up disease surveillance across Tanzania after confirming the first two cases of Mpox.

The Health Ministry announced on Monday that the infected individuals, who are currently in isolation, are experiencing symptoms such as rash, fever, headache, body pain, and throat pain.

According to a statement from the ministry, laboratory tests conducted on Saturday confirmed the presence of the virus.

“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,” the statement read.

One of the infected individuals is a truck driver who entered Tanzania from a neighboring country, the ministry revealed.

Authorities have intensified disease surveillance across the country, particularly at entry points, by screening travelers and raising awareness to help citizens take preventive measures.

Mpox is a rare infectious disease that is usually mild, with most people recovering within a few weeks.

However, some cases may lead to complications. Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and fatigue.

A rash may later develop, starting on the face before 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, the Health Ministry also provided an update on the Marburg virus situation in the northern Kagera region.

The ministry noted that 41 days have passed since the last confirmed case was reported following a warning issued on February 20.