LUSAKA, Zambia
Zambia confirmed Friday its second mpox case, nearly three months after reporting the first.
The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that Africa had recorded nearly 14,000 cases, including 60 deaths in 20 countries.
Douglas Syakalima, Zambia’s acting health minister, said the latest case involved a 34-year-old woman from Kitwe in Copperbelt Province. Her husband, who works in a neighboring country with confirmed mpox cases, experienced similar symptoms earlier this month.
“Both are now stable and under close monitoring. A rapid response team has been deployed to trace contacts and prevent further spread,” said Syakalima. He added that eight close contacts were under observation and surveillance efforts had been heightened nationwide.
With mpox continuing to pose a cross-border threat, Syakalima urged citizens to avoid close contact, practice proper hygiene, use personal protective equipment, handle contaminated items cautiously and promptly report symptoms to curb the spread.
WHO report highlights mpox impact in Africa
According to WHO’s final 2024 multi-country external situation report that was published Dec. 23, Africa reported 13,769 confirmed cases with 60 deaths as of Dec. 15.
“The Democratic Republic of Congo remains the most affected country, with 9,513 confirmed cases and 43 deaths, followed by Burundi with 2,650 cases and one death, and Uganda with 1,027 cases and six deaths,” it noted.
The WHO added that 14 countries reported new cases in the six weeks leading up to Dec. 15, indicating ongoing outbreaks, while six countries showed signs of transitioning to the control phase.
To bolster preparedness, WHO announced the availability of 4.7 million vaccine doses for future allocation to mpox-affected countries globally.
