Mozambique has reported a significant increase in mpox cases, with 11 new infections confirmed over the past 48 hours. The northern province of Niassa is the most affected, accounting for nearly half of the new cases. Governor Elina Massengele emphasized the need for caution, stating, “We have to be careful with this disease because it is easily transmissible.”
The initial three confirmed cases were identified in Niassa’s Lago District, near Lake Niassa, among individuals who had recently traveled from neighboring Malawi. Health authorities have placed these individuals in quarantine to prevent further transmission.
In response to the outbreak, Mozambique’s Health Ministry has deployed a specialized technical team to support patient care and containment efforts in Niassa. The team is tasked with monitoring treatment, identifying and quarantining close contacts, strengthening epidemiological surveillance, and disseminating information to the public.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that spreads through close contact and can cause severe illness in some cases. The World Health Organization declared the ongoing mpox epidemic a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on August 14, 2024, due to its rapid spread across Africa.
As of March 2025, Africa had reported 24,272 mpox cases, with 6,034 confirmed and approximately 260 related deaths. The Democratic Republic of the Congo remains the most affected country, accounting for 60% of confirmed cases and 40% of deaths.
Mozambique’s recent surge in mpox cases underscores the ongoing challenges in controlling the spread of the virus in the region. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are implementing measures to prevent further transmission.
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