Govt strengthens surveillance, precaution against Mpox outbreak

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has intensified surveillance and precautionary measures against Mpox after confirming two cases within the country.

The Minister for Health, Ms Jenista Mhagama, said in a statement yesterday that one of the confirmed cases involved a truck driver, who had recently travelled from a neighbouring country to Dar es Salaam.

She urged citizens to adopt preventive measures, including avoiding handshakes, kissing and embracing individuals exhibiting Mpox symptoms.

Frequent handwashing with running water and sanitisation were also recommended. She said that on Friday, the Ministry of Health, through its various monitoring and disease surveillance systems, received reports of two suspected individuals displaying symptoms such as facial rashes, headaches, throat sores and general body aches, including muscle and back pain.

Ms Mhagama noted that samples from the suspected individuals were immediately sent to a laboratory for examination. “On March 9, 2025 (Sunday), laboratory results confirmed that both individuals were infected with the Mpox virus. Therefore, a total of two cases have now been confirmed,” she said.

“With this report, the Ministry of Health assures citizens that the government is fully prepared to prevent the spread of this disease, leveraging our vast experience in handling outbreaks of this nature.”

Ms Mhagama also stated that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the President’s Office, the Regional Government and Local Administration and all health centres, continues to monitor, investigate and identify any additional suspected cases, providing medical care as needed.

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The government is also monitoring travellers by screening all individuals entering or leaving the country while raising public awareness on the necessary precautions.

She emphasised that the disease originates from monkeys and can be transmitted to humans through activities that involve direct contact with infected animals, their fluids or meat.

“Notably, infected humans can also spread the virus to others through physical contact,” Ms Mhagama stressed.

On the precautions to take, Ms Mhagama urged citizens to seek medical attention immediately if they notice symptoms, or to dial 199, a free hotline.

She further advised the public to avoid sharing clothes with infected individuals, avoid physical contact and refrain from touching the bodily fluids of those infected, while ensuring that those who are ill are cared for with appropriate precautions.

Ms Mhagama also urged citizens to wash their hands frequently and use sanitisers.

In a related development, she confirmed that there have been no cases of Marburg in the country so far.