Health officials in Malawi have confirmed a sixth case of Mpox in the country as the Ministry of Health intensifies containment measures to curb the spread of the virus and protect communities
The latest case was identified in the central region following laboratory confirmation and contact tracing efforts according to the Public Health Institute of Malawi The patient is said to be in stable condition and is receiving medical care in isolation while health teams monitor all known contacts
Mpox formerly known as monkeypox is a viral disease that spreads through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials and often causes fever rash and swollen lymph nodes The virus has reemerged in several African countries in recent years prompting renewed public health vigilance
Authorities in Malawi say they are now deploying additional health workers to affected areas enhancing community surveillance and distributing protective equipment to frontline personnel The government is also working closely with international partners including the World Health Organization to strengthen diagnostics and outbreak management
This sixth confirmed case comes just weeks after the fifth was reported raising concerns about possible local transmission though health experts believe the situation remains manageable if containment protocols are strictly followed
In a statement the Ministry of Health urged citizens to remain calm and report any symptoms early stressing that early detection and isolation are key to preventing further spread of the disease Public awareness campaigns are also being expanded to rural areas with a focus on hygiene and prevention
No deaths have been reported in the current outbreak and previous cases have responded well to treatment though authorities continue to monitor the virus closely due to its potential for severe illness in some individuals
Health officials have not yet declared a national emergency but say that all district health offices have been put on alert and emergency response plans are in place in case the number of cases increases
The government has called on the public to avoid misinformation and follow guidance from health authorities including avoiding unnecessary contact with suspected cases and reporting any symptoms such as rash fever or body aches to the nearest clinic or hospital
With neighboring countries also reporting sporadic Mpox cases regional coordination is being strengthened to ensure information sharing and joint action when needed
