BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
While the country currently has no case of m-pox, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has said they are monitoring the evolving situation following an outbreak in neighbouring South Africa and other countries.
Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora further revealed in a statement that, “the ministry has also placed its structures on high alert and is conducting preparedness and response activities.
“The public is urged to report suspected cases to the nearest health facility as soon as possible or use our toll free line: 2019. Or the Ministry of Health and Child Care Public Relations Department, +263 772 945032.”
Dr Mombeshora added that there was an on-going outbreak of m-pox virus in non-endemic countries including South Africa.
“M-Pox (formerly called Monkey Pox) is a rare viral infection that is endemic to Central and West Africa.
“It spreads through close contact with people, animals or material infected with the virus.
“Symptoms of M-Pox can include, fever, rash (that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, or other parts of the body especially hands, feet and chest, headache, muscle ache and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, respiratory symptoms include (e.g sore throat, nasal congestion or cough,” said Minister Mombeshora.
The minister further added that, “m-pox virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox and symptoms are similar but it is not related to chickenpox.
“The illness usually last 2-4 weeks. Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkey pox virus infection. “However, the disease can be prevented through: avoiding contact with animals that could harbour the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead in areas where m-pox occurs).
“Avoiding contact with any materials, such as bedding, that has been in contact with a sick animal or person.
“Isolating infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection.
“Practicing good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans such as washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
“Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.”
