Tanzania has no Mpox case, says government

Dar es Salaam. The government has assured the public that all measures are being taken to control the monkeypox virus, should  it become an outbreak.

The statement issued by the health ministry follows reports that neighbouring Kenya has confirmed its first Mpox case at a Taita Taveta border point with Tanzania.

The virus was detected in an individual who was travelling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya.

Speaking to The Citizen sister pape,  Mwananchi, the Acting Head of Government Communications at the ministry, Englibert Kayombo, said there is no Mpox case in Tanzania so far.

"We have received reports of the disease reaching our neighbours, but our systems are strong enough to combat the disease," he said.

Kayombo said that detailed information about the disease would be provided soon by the Chief Medical Officer, Prof. Tumaini Nagu.

The virus is endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as forested areas in East, Central, and West Africa.

Last month, Kenya issued a travel advisory to all counties and border entry points. 
This came as a response to recent outbreaks of Mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which currently has the biggest outbreak of the viral Mpox disease ever recorded, with tens of thousands of people infected as of June.

What is Monkeypox?

According to World Health Organization (WHO), Mpox (monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.

Anyone can get mpox. It spreads from contact with infected persons, through touch, kissing, or sex; animals, when hunting, skinning, or cooking them;materials, such as contaminated sheets, clothes or needles and regnant persons, who may pass the virus on to their unborn baby. 

Signs and symptoms

Mpox causes signs and symptoms that usually begin within a week but can start from 1–21 days after exposure. Symptoms typically last 2–4 weeks but may last longer in someone with a weakened immune system.

Common symptoms of mpox are rashes, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.

Treatment and vaccination

The goal of treating mpox is to take care of the rash, manage pain, and prevent complications. Early and supportive care is important to help manage symptoms and avoid further problems.

Getting an mpox vaccine can help prevent infection. The vaccine should be given within 4 days of contact with someone who has mpox (or within up to 14 days if there are no symptoms).

“ Persons who have mpox should be cared for away from other people,” WHO advises.