TANZANIA: TANZANIA has not reported any cases of Mpox, the government confirmed yesterday, insisting that the country is safe.
However, amid rising Mpox cases around the world, the Ministry of Health said that various preventive measures are being taken to control the possible outbreak and spread of the disease.
According to the statement issued on Saturday by the ministry and signed by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Professor Tumaini Nagu, the ministry has taken various measures to prevent the disease, including raising awareness about Mpox disease by distributing leaflets about the symptoms and how to protect against the disease. “So far, no Mpox cases have been confirmed in our country. Tanzania is safe.
However, we need to continue to take precautions to protect ourselves from this disease,” Professor Nagu revealed.
In line with this, Prof Nagu noted that the ministry has strengthened the systems for monitoring Mpox diseases at all levels.
He also added that the ministry has already prepared treatment and prevention guidelines for healthcare workers.
“We have strengthened the capacity of the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) to test samples of Mpox disease,” she stated.
In particular, Prof Nagu urged Tanzanians to take precautionary measures against Mpox, including avoiding skinto-skin contact with an Mpox rash.
“Wash your hands frequently with running water and soap or use hand sanitiser,” she insisted, whilst advising citizens to avoid eating or touching carcasses of animals such as monkeys or gazelles.
“Clean and sanitise dishes and linens that have been used by someone with Mpox symptoms, including all areas that are frequently touched, using soap, water and chlorine cleaning agents.”
“Wear a mask if you have to sit and talk closely with someone with Mpox symptoms,” she added. She advised people with Mpox symptoms to visit a healthcare centre immediately.
“If you see someone with Mpox symptoms, report the case by calling the toll-free number 199,” she emphasised.
Prof Nagu said that since the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) officially declared Mpox a public health emergency, the ministry has been able to take various efforts to prevent the disease from entering the country.
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According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 99,176 cases of Mpox had been reported as of June this year, with 208 deaths (0.2 per cent) confirmed.
Last week, Africa CDC declared Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a public health emergency as the continent grapples with an alarming rise in cases.
The declaration comes in response to a rapid and concerning spread of a new variant of the virus.
According to recent reports, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been hardest hit, with over 13,700 cases and 450 deaths recorded since the beginning of the year.
The outbreak has extended beyond DRC, affecting neighbouring countries such as Burundi, the Central African Republic (CAR), Kenya and Rwanda.
“With a heavy heart but with an unyielding commitment to our people, to our African citizens, we declare Mpox a public health emergency of continental security.”
Head of Africa CDC, Jean Kaseya, made the announcement during an online media briefing yesterday.
He added, “Mpox has now crossed borders, affecting thousands across our continent. Families have been torn apart and the pain and suffering have touched every corner of our continent.”
