Maputo – Health officials in Mozambique’s capital are bracing for a potential mpox outbreak following the World Health Organization’s declaration of a global health emergency. While no cases have been reported in the country thus far, authorities are activating surveillance teams and urging residents to adopt preventive measures.
Maputo, as the nation’s primary entry point, is particularly vigilant. Health Councillor Alice de Abreu emphasized the city’s preparedness, noting previous experience in handling disease outbreaks. She called on the public to maintain social distancing, practice good hygiene, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise.
The WHO’s declaration comes amid a surge in mpox cases across Africa, with a new, more deadly strain detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The continent has recorded over 38,000 cases and 1,400 deaths since January 2022.
Mpox, originally discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, is primarily transmitted from animals to humans. However, human-to-human transmission is also possible. The virus causes a range of symptoms, including fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
