Mpox cases rise to 38 in Nakonde
By George Zulu
The Nakonde District Health Office says the current Mpox cases in the area are locally transmitted within communities.
Speaking during a live radio programme on Chete FM and monitored by The Mast, Nakonde District Health Promotion officer Gertrude Chipampe said people in Nakonde were contracting the virus within.
Chipampe said research conducted so far showed that the contraction was not a result of people traveling out of Nakonde to infected areas.
“The transmission of this disease, the Mpox, is a within-transmission disease. So far, there is no record showing that those affected had travelled to other areas or countries where the disease is common. This is virus is spreading within the community,” she said.
She said currently, Nakonde District had recorded 38 suspected cases of Mpox, with four confirmed cases as of Monday this week.
Chipampe explained that the local transmission of Mpox was a source of concern, as it suggested that the virus had taken hold in the community.
She said the spread of the virus was through close contact with infected individuals.
The first case of Mpox in Zambia was recorded in October last year, an imported case through the Nakonde border from Tanzania.
However, between April and August 25 this year, the district had reported 14 confirmed cases and 38 suspected cases.
Chipampe warned that it was important for people to know and be able to take precautions to prevent further spread of the disease.
She urged Nakonde residents and travelers to practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, and seek medical attention immediately if they experience any signs of illness.
“Groups at risk include pregnant women, individuals with HIV and TB, and those with multiple sexual partners. This disease needs to be halted; the spread in Nakonde is rapid,” she said.
And the district Director of Health Services Phillip Mukonge expressed concern that many patients were delaying seeking medical attention until the disease worsens.
Dr Munkonge warned that Mpox could lead to severe health complications, including pneumonia, confusion, brain infection, and death if not attended to quickly.
“The disease spreads through close contact with an infected person, including handshakes, hugs, kisses, or sexual intercourse. This is about behavioural change if we want to combat it,” he said.
He advised residents to seek treatment promptly if they experience symptoms such as headaches, sores in the eyes, and high temperature.
