The Zimbabwean Health Ministry has issued a warning about the potential risk of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) spreading to the country. Although there are no confirmed cases in Zimbabwe yet, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to its spread in other parts of the world.

To mitigate the risk, the ministry is urging citizens to take precautions, such as avoiding physical contact with individuals showing symptoms and refraining from sharing personal items. Authorities have also stepped up disease surveillance and screening procedures at Points of Entry to prevent cross-border transmission.

Mpox is a viral disease that can cause fever, rashes, and swollen lymph nodes, and can lead to severe illness in some cases. It is mainly transmitted through close contact, and the ministry is encouraging the public to report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility promptly.

The WHO has reported ongoing outbreaks in various African countries, including some in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), sparking fears of cross-border spread. Zimbabwe’s health ministry is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease and protect public health.

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