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Health Reporter
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care has warned the public to be on high alert by taking prevention and control measures following the outbreak of monkeypox in countries within and outside Africa.
In a press statement today, the Ministry said no cases have been reported in the country but 19 endemic and non-endemic countries within and outside Africa had experienced the ongoing outbreak.
“Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonotic disease endemic to Central and West Africa. The disease in not endemic in Zimbabwe. It spreads through close contact with people, animals or material infected with the virus. Symptoms of the disease include rash, fever, headache, muscle ache, swelling and back pain. The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than those of smallpox,” reads the statement.
Currently there is no proven treatment for monkeypox virus infection, the Ministry added, and the disease is self-limiting (it resolves on its own within a few weeks and can be fatal with a fatality rate of up to six percent).
Health experts in the country will continue monitoring the evolving situation of the outbreak in other countries, with the Ministry of Health and Child Care placing its structures on high alert.
The public has been urged that anyone who suspects that they have the disease’s symptoms must report to their nearest health facility as soon as possible.
Online Reporter