Lilongwe DHO worried over increased Mpox cases

Lilongwe District Health Office has expressed worry over increased cases of Mpox in the district attributing it to lack of knowledge and information about the disease.

Speaking in Lilongwe on Tuesday, during media orientation, Lilongwe Senior Health Promotion Officer, Richard Mvula, said the rapid spread of the disease is alarming and if action is not taken early the situation could worsen.

“Malawi has recorded 38 cases of Mpox, of which 30 cases are from Lilongwe and the disease is common among business people and students with 24 percent, while drivers and commercial sex workers are on second with eight percent. This is worrisome,” he said.

Mvula then appealed to members of the media to generate extensive coverage on Mpox so that the general public have enough information and help prevent the spread of the disease.

“We need to hold hands and sensitize people about the disease so that they are aware and start following precautionary measures in order to contain further spreading of the pandemic,” he said.

A reporter from Timveni Radio, Johans Mumba, thanked Lilongwe District Health Office for the orientation saying it has equipped them with crucial information and insights that will enable them to share accurate and reliable news about Mpox.

Apart from the media, Lilongwe-DHO also met commercial sex workers and are planning to have an interface meeting with lodge owners to discuss on how best they can prevent the spread of the disease.

Currently 18 patients have recovered while 11 are still considered as active cases.

Mpox is a viral infection which is caused by monkey pox virus, a type of orthopox virus and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or close contact with an infected person’s body fluids and respiratory tract.

Its signs and symptoms include fever, rash lesions, headache, ache and swollen lymph nodes.

Lilongwe District Health office organized the media orientation with financial support from UNICEF.