Zambia Reports First Mpox Case: A Growing Health Concern

Zambia's health ministry announced the first mpox case in the country, marked by global concern due to a new variant. The case involves a Tanzanian national and raises fears of local transmission and cross-border spread in the region, prompting intensified surveillance and public health efforts.

Zambia's health ministry reported the nation's inaugural case of mpox on Thursday, sparking concerns amid a global health emergency declared by the World Health Organization. The infection has been linked to a Tanzanian national who developed symptoms after traveling extensively across Zambia.

The new clade 1b variant of mpox, first noted in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has now spread to neighboring African countries. This variant is causing alarm due to its ease of transmission via routine close contact. In Zambia, the patient reported muscle aches, fatigue, and a sore throat.

Authorities have highlighted the potential risk of local and cross-border transmission. The health ministry is conducting contact tracing and has increased risk communication efforts. With surveillance heightened across the country, health officials remain vigilant for additional mpox cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)