Ministry of Health declares outbreak of Mpox disease in Lilongwe
Ministry of Health has declared that two cases of Mpox disease have been confirmed in Lilongwe district
Through Public Health institute of Malawi the ministry says the first suspected case was reported by Bwaila Hospital on 20th March and the second on 9th April 2025
Secretary for Health Dr Samson Mndolo says samples were collected from the suspected for laboratory investigations at National Reference Laboratory in Lilongwe and results came out positive on 16th April
According to the Ministry Mpox is transmitted from animals to humans and humans to humans and characterized by fever as well as rash
Dr Mndolo says children, pregnant women and people with underlying immune deficiencies and with multiple sexual partners have a higher risk of getting the disease
There is no specific treatment for Mpox disease but the Ministry is advising the public not to panic as the situation is under control
However it has cautioned the public to be on alert and take preventing measures as the disease has the potential to affect more people
Mpox can be prevented by avoiding close or skin to skin contact with suspected or confirmed case, observing good hygiene among others.
The Ministry says is working with Lilongwe district council, world health Organisation, Africa Centre for Disease Control and other partners to ensure proper surveillance, response and timely treatment.
