Tanzania reports first mpox case
Mpox, caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox, can be transmitted between humans through close physical contact. It causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like skin lesions, and can be deadly.
FILE: Mpox virus particles, illustration. Picture: SERGII IAREMENKO/SCIENCE PHOTO L / SIA / Science Photo Library via AFP
NAIROBI - Tanzania has confirmed its first two cases of mpox, the health ministry said Monday, the first time the virus has been detected in an outbreak that has hit several African countries.
Two individuals exhibiting symptoms were isolated and tested on Sunday, health minister Jenista Mhagama said in a statement on X.
"Among the suspects, one is a truck driver who travelled from a neighbouring country to Dar es Salaam," the statement said.
In a report by the African Union's health agency last week, 6,034 cases of mpox have been confirmed since January in 22 countries, resulting in 25 deaths.
Mpox, caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox, can be transmitted between humans through close physical contact. It causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like skin lesions, and can be deadly.
It has two subtypes: clade 1 and clade 2.
Its spread caused the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency of international concern - its highest alarm - in August 2024.