The Ministry of Health and Child Care has released the weekly disease surveillance report for the week ending January 19, 2025.
According to the Ministry, a total of 6,958 cases of common diarrhoea were reported, resulting in 6 deaths. The fatalities occurred in various regions: 2 at Sally Mugabe Hospital in Harare, 1 in Bikita District (Masvingo), 1 in Mutoko District (Mashonaland East), 1 in Mazowe District (Mashonaland Central), and 1 in Kwekwe District (Midlands). Among the reported cases, 3,040 were in children under the age of 5. The provinces with the highest case numbers were Manicaland (1,029) and Mashonaland West (988). Cumulatively, there have been 19,441 cases and 12 deaths related to common diarrhoea.
In the case of malaria, 1,048 new cases and 5 deaths were reported. The fatalities were spread across Mutare District (Manicaland), Sanyati District (Mashonaland West), Chiredzi District (Masvingo), and two hospitals in Harare—Sally Mugabe Hospital and Parirenyatwa Hospital. Of the malaria cases, 12.5% (131 cases) were in children under five years old. The highest numbers were reported in Manicaland (665 cases) and Mashonaland West (133 cases). Cumulative figures for malaria stand at 2,186 cases and 9 deaths.
Anthrax cases were reported in Gokwe North District (5 cases), Gokwe South District (1 case), and Sanyati District (1 case). There were no reported deaths, and cumulative figures for anthrax cases are now 19, with no fatalities.
Measles saw 4 new suspected cases, with reports coming from Mashonaland West (1 case), Mashonaland East (1 case), and Harare Metropolitan Province (2 cases). The total number of suspected measles cases is now 12, with no deaths.
There were 471 dysentery cases reported, along with 1 death from Hurungwe District in Mashonaland West. The highest case numbers were recorded in Mashonaland Central (108 cases) and Mashonaland West (82 cases). Cumulative cases for dysentery stand at 1,405, with 1 fatality.
One suspected typhoid case was reported, with no deaths. The cumulative number of suspected typhoid cases is now 2, with no deaths.
A total of 18 mumps cases were reported, with no fatalities. The highest number of cases came from Mashonaland West (6 cases), followed by Mashonaland East (3 cases) and Masvingo (3 cases). Cumulative figures for mumps are 41 cases, with no deaths.
There were no reported cases of Mpox this week, and the cumulative figures remain at zero.
A total of 736 dog bite cases were reported, with no fatalities. Of these, 180 were bitten by vaccinated dogs, 154 by unvaccinated dogs, and 402 by dogs of unknown vaccination status. Masvingo Province recorded the highest number of dog bite cases (124), followed by Manicaland (107). The cumulative total for dog bites is now 2,049, with no deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0%.
In terms of cholera, 13 suspected cases were reported, with no deaths. The suspected cases were from Mazowe District (12 cases) in Mashonaland Central and Kariba District (1 case) in Mashonaland West. The cumulative total for cholera now stands at 85 suspected cases and 1 suspected death.
Finally, influenza cases have risen to 2,535, with no reported deaths. Manicaland recorded the highest number of cases (847), followed by Mashonaland West (704). The cumulative number of suspected influenza cases is now 6,868, with no fatalities.

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In the news, the Ministry of Health reported that there were many cases of diarrhoea, malaria, and other diseases in Zimbabwe. Over 6,900 cases of diarrhoea and 1,048 cases of malaria were recorded. Some people died, especially children. Other diseases like anthrax, measles, dysentery, typhoid, mumps, and dog bites were also reported, but no deaths. Cases of influenza also increased. In total, there were many sick people, but not many people died from these diseases. The Ministry is working to stop the diseases from spreading.

Weekly Disease Surveillance: Over 6,900 Diarrhoea Cases And 1,048 Malaria Cases Recorded

Zimbabwe has reported two cases of the Mpox virus, one in Harare and another in Mberengwa, with both individuals currently in home isolation.
Announcing the development on Sunday, 13 October, the Minister of Health and Childcare Douglas Mombeshora reassured the public that the situation is under control.
He said the first case involves an 11-year-old boy who travelled to South Africa in August 2024, returning to Zimbabwe on 10 September 2024. The boy developed symptoms on 23 September 2024.
The second case is a 24-year-old male who travelled to Tanzania and developed symptoms on September 29, 2024.
Mombeshora said both individuals are no longer infectious, and contact tracing is ongoing. Below is Mombeshora’s announcement in full:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Health and Child Care wishes to inform the nation that Zimbabwe now has two (2) confirmed cases of Mpox: one in Harare and another in Mberengwa. Both cases are in isolation at home and are receiving appropriate care. Both cases are stable and recovering.
Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) was declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security by the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) on the 13th of August 2024.
It was then declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the 14th of August 2024. In Africa, there are 7535 confirmed cumulative cases of Mpox and 32 deaths reported so far in 2024.
Here in Zimbabwe, Case number 1 is an 11-year-old male child with a known history of having travelled to South Africa in August 2024, returning to Zimbabwe on the 10th of September 2024.
He developed symptoms on the 23 of September 2024. He is currently in isolation at home and is no longer infectious. Seven (7) contacts have since been identified and are being monitored.
Case number 2 is a 24-year-old male with a known history of having travelled to Tanzania on the 14th of September 2024 and came back on the 21 of September 2024. He developed symptoms on the 29th of September 2024. He is currently in isolation at home and is no longer infectious. Contact tracing and monitoring are underway.
Mpox is a rare viral infection caused by an Mpox virus that is endemic in Central and West Africa. It spreads through close contact with people, animals or through materials infected with the virus. Signs and symptoms of Mpox include:
<ul>
<li>Fever</li>
<li>Rash (that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, or other parts of the body, especially hands, feet and chest)</li>
<li>Headache</li>
<li>Muscle aches and backache</li>
<li>Swollen lymph nodes</li>
<li>Chills</li>
<li>Exhaustion</li>
<li>Respiratory symptoms (sore throat, nasal congestion or cough)</li>
</ul>
The incubation period is usually 3 to 21 days and is typically slow developing over 2-4 weeks. The disease is normally self-limiting but can be severe in individuals with compromised immunity and other co-morbidities.
This means that the condition resolves on its own between three (3) to Four (4) weeks during which time health interventions take the form of supportive treatment including antibiotics and painkillers as required.
The disease can be prevented through:
<ul>
<li>Avoiding contact with individuals showing symptoms.</li>
<li>Avoiding sharing clothes, bedding and other personal items with persons showing symptoms.</li>
<li>Isolating persons showing symptoms from others who could be at risk of infection.</li>
<li>Practising good personal hygiene including frequent hand washing with soap under running water, or through the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers regularly.</li>
<li>Avoid sexual contact with persons showing symptoms.</li>
<li>Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for infected persons.</li>
</ul>
The Ministry of Health and Child Care wishes to reassure the public that the situation is under control and urges the Zimbabwean public not to panic. Any persons with symptoms are urged to report to the nearest health facility as soon as possible.
Equally, the public is also promptly urged to report suspected cases to the nearest health facility. The health and safety of our communities remains our top priority.
For more information, please contact Provincial Medical Directors, City Health Directors and the Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control HQ. The Ministry has also placed all its structures on high alert, including at all ports of entry.
Preparedness and Response activities.
1. The M-pox preparedness and response plan is now in place and has been shared widely.
2. Activation of the National and subnational Incident Management Systems has been done.
3. Training of healthcare workers on Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) is ongoing.
4. Conducting awareness campaigns in the provinces to ensure that the community is well informed on M-pox.
5. Information Education and Communication (IEC) material has been developed and is being distributed.
6. Enhanced surveillance at all the Ports of Entry including monitoring of travellers coming into the country.
7. Enhanced community-based surveillance systems are in place.
8. Identification and establishment of isolation centres throughout the country is underway.
9. The Ministry will continue to update the nation through regular press briefings as the situation evolves.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe has two cases of the Mpox virus, which has symptoms like fever, rash, headache, and muscle aches. Both patients are in isolation and recovering. The virus spreads through close contact. The government is taking steps to prevent its spread, like isolating infected people and educating the public. The Health Minister says not to panic and seek medical help if needed. They are also training healthcare workers and monitoring travelers entering the country. All structures are on high alert. They will update the public regularly as the situation changes.

Zimbabwe Records Two Mpox Cases

Victoria Falls, a major tourist destination, is considered to be at high risk for an Mpox outbreak due to its proximity to the border and the significant presence of cross-border truckers.
According to <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/victoria-falls-at-risk-of-mpox-outbreak-due-to-border-proximity-commercial-sex-work/">VicFallsLive</a>, stakeholders convened on Wednesday to strategise on preparedness for any potential outbreak, especially given the tourism sector’s struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
The meeting, organised by the Victoria Falls City Council’s health department in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, aimed to educate stakeholders and share crucial information about the disease.
Participants included government departments, port authorities, and representatives from the private sector.
The stakeholders emphasized that preparedness is essential for preventing the spread of Mpox in Victoria Falls.
Fungayi Musinami, Hwange District Medical Officer, said the meeting served primarily as a sensitization exercise to ensure accurate information is disseminated to all involved. She said:
<blockquote>
Our biggest concern as Victoria Falls is trucks movement through Victoria Falls and Kazungula borders from as far as DR Congo.
</blockquote>
It emerged during the meeting that the presence of same-sex commercial sex workers and cross-border truck drivers makes the chances of the spread of the virus high. Added Musinami:
<blockquote>
As a city, that will be the thrust of our response to start from. Another aspect of the response is men having sex with men and the truck stop where a lot is happening.
</blockquote>
Khaliphani Tshuma, Victoria Falls City Council safety and health officer, said that it was important for citizens to get correct information from credible sources. Said Tshuma:
<blockquote>
Symptoms can take up to 21 days to manifest and include swollen lymph nodes, rash, headache, muscle ache, back pain, low energy, sore throat, and fever.
Rash and blisters are common on the face, palms, feet, groin, genitals, mouth, throat, anus, rectum eyes, and privates.
The virus can spread through physical contact with an infected person or through mouth-mouth or a mother-to-child at birth.
</blockquote>
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) recently declared Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), respectively.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Victoria Falls, a famous tourist spot, could be in danger of a disease called Mpox because of its location near the border with many truck drivers. Officials met to talk about how to be ready for an outbreak. They want to educate people and share important information to prevent Mpox from spreading. The disease can be spread through physical contact or from mother to child. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, rashes, and fever. Organizations like the World Health Organization have called Mpox a serious health concern. It is important for everyone to get correct information from reliable sources to stay safe.

Tourism Hub Victoria Falls Faces Potential Mpox Threat

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will hold a virtual meeting of Ministers of Health on 4 September 2024 to assess the Mpox epidemiological outlook and to develop a coordinated regional response.
In a <a href="https://www.sadc.int/latest-news/sadc-hold-meeting-ministers-health-mpox-epidemiological-outlook">statement</a> issued this Tuesday, 03 September, the SADC Secretariat said that the Ministers will deliberate on the Mpox situation on the African continent and in the SADC region and discuss how to strengthen public health surveillance at the national level and on how cross-border disease surveillance should be coordinated to improve the rate of detection, strengthen prevention and limit the spread of Mpox.
The Ministers are expected to prioritise the development and implementation of multi-sectoral interventions to limit and control the spread of Mpox especially for countries without Mpox outbreaks to facilitate early detection and treatment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have recently declared Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHIEC) and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) respectively.
Following the outbreak of Mpox, the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Harare, Republic of Zimbabwe on 17 August 2024 extended solidarity and support to Member States affected by Mpox and directed the Secretariat to convene an urgent meeting of the Ministers of Health to assess the impact of Mpox and facilitate coordinated regional response to control the spread of the disease.
The Ministers’ meeting will be preceded by a meeting of Senior Officials for Health who will prepare documents for Ministers to consider and make decisions.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Southern African Development Community is having a virtual meeting on 4 September 2024 to talk about the Mpox disease and make a plan to stop it. They want to work together to find ways to detect the disease early, prevent it from spreading, and treat it quickly. The World Health Organization and Africa CDC have said Mpox is a big health emergency. The SADC Summit of Heads of State have also promised to help countries affected by Mpox. Before the meeting, health officials will get together to make plans for the Ministers to talk about and decide on.

SADC Health Ministers To Convene Virtual Meeting On Mpox Response

The City of Harare has reassured residents about the absence of a Mpox outbreak, following negative test results for two suspected cases.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2-suspected-mpox-cases-come-out-negative-in-harare/">ZimLive</a> on Wednesday, Harare City’s Health Director, Dr Prosper Chonzi, confirmed that the suspected cases were identified in the high-density suburb of Kuwadzana. Said Chonzi:
<blockquote>
There are just two cases in Harare; we took specimens from these individuals who showed some symptoms to the lab and they came out negative.
Mpox is associated with a fever and these people had no such. We have measles and chicken pox which may seem like Mpox but it’s a different case.
We now do the tests here in Zimbabwe and not in South Africa as was the case, but we are all on high alert.
</blockquote>
Dr Aspect Maunganidze, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) also told ZimLive that there are no cases reported in Zimbabwe yet. He said:
<blockquote>
We have not recorded any cases of Mpox and the government is vigilant, especially at border entry points.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), the highest level of alarm under the IHR.
The outbreak, which began in September 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has since spread to neighbouring countries including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
Mpox can spread through direct contact with infected animals, humans, or contaminated materials. It can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.
Initial symptoms often include fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash that develops into lesions. The illness typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected animals, practising good hygiene, and vaccination for at-risk populations.
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but antiviral medications may be used in severe cases.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two people in Harare were thought to have a disease called Mpox, but tests showed they didn't. The government is watching out for any Mpox cases in Zimbabwe. Mpox is spreading in Africa and can be caught from animals or in the air. People with Mpox have fever, rash, and swollen glands. To stay safe, avoid sick animals, keep clean, and get vaccinated. There is no special medicine for Mpox, but strong cases can get antiviral drugs.

Two Suspected Mpox Cases In Harare Test Negative

The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) has asked the government to improve its monitoring and response to the monkeypox (mpox) outbreak.
This request comes after the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
In a statement on August 21, ZADHR urged the Ministry of Health and Child Care to increase public awareness about the virus. It said:
<blockquote>
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Zimbabwe has significantly strengthened its emergency preparedness and response mechanisms.
We believe lessons learnt in responding to COVID-19 can go a long way in enhancing the preparedness and response to Mpox.
Therefore, with cases being reported in other parts of the World and Africa specifically; and zero cases reported in Zimbabwe to date, ZADHR urges the government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Health and Child Care to enhance Mpox surveillance, diagnostics, treatment and care facilities and awareness of the disease.
ZADHR encourages citizens to take precautions related to the monkeypox virus based on the most current advice from the Ministry of Health and Child Care and from public health officials.
As with COVID-19 ZADHR will continue to monitor the response and make recommendations to ensure that no lives are lost due to MPOX in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Monkeypox is a viral disease that can spread from animals to humans and also between people through close contact with an infected person or objects such as bedsheets or clothing.
Common symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, pain when swallowing, pustules on the skin, and lesions around the genitals and anus.
According to a report issued by the Africa CDC on August 16, there have been 18 737 Mpox cases (3101 confirmed and 15 636 suspected) across 12 African countries since the beginning of the year, resulting in 541 deaths.
Despite the outbreak in other parts of the world and Africa specifically, Zimbabwe has not yet experienced any confirmed cases of the viral disease.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A group of doctors in Zimbabwe want the government to do more to watch out for monkeypox, which is spreading around the world. They say the government should let people know more about the virus. The doctors hope the lessons learned from dealing with COVID-19 will help them be prepared for monkeypox. Monkeypox can be passed from animals to people or from person to person. It can cause fever, pain, and pustules on the skin. So far, Zimbabwe has not had any confirmed cases of monkeypox.

Zimbabwean Doctors' Group Calls For Enhanced Mpox Surveillance Amid Global Outbreak

The Government of Namibia, through the Ministry of Health and Social Services, announced on Tuesday that it is intensifying efforts to monitor and respond to potential cases of mpox in the country.
Walters Kamaya, the ministry’s spokesperson, told <a href="https://english.news.cn/20240820/ae084780559f46848bd4d697f5db2731/c.html">Xinhua</a> that while Namibia has not recorded any cases of mpox to date, the government is taking several proactive measures to prepare for possible outbreaks.
These measures include engaging with stakeholders such as healthcare providers, local communities, and international partners to establish effective communication and resource distribution.
Additionally, the government is launching public health campaigns to educate the public about mpox transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures, thereby fostering a well-informed and resilient community. The Ministry said in a statement:
<blockquote>
Members of the public are urged to remain calm and refrain from spreading misinformation and disinformation about mpox.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services is committed to safeguarding public health in Namibia and urges all people in Namibia to stay informed and vigilant.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, a misleading report is circulating that falsely claims Namibia has recorded 110 new cases of mpox in several locations, including Tsumeb, Oranjemund, Windhoek, Oshakati, Oshikango, Rundu, Swakopmund, and Gobabis.
This false information inaccurately states that Minister of Health and Social Services Kalumbi Shangula confirmed these mpox cases and that President Nangolo Mbumba will address the nation regarding this alleged health emergency.
Mpox is the new name for monkeypox, a viral disease that can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. It primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials.
The renaming is part of an effort to reduce the stigma associated with the disease. Prevention includes avoiding close contact with infected individuals and practising good hygiene. Vaccination may also be recommended for those at high risk.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the ongoing mpox cases in Africa an emergency health outbreak, following an increase in cases on 14 August.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Namibia has not had any cases of mpox, even though social media is spreading false information about 110 new cases. The government is preparing just in case there are outbreaks by educating people and working with healthcare providers. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can spread through close contact or contaminated materials. The World Health Organisation is concerned about the increase in cases in Africa and has declared it an emergency. People are urged to stay calm, not spread false information, and practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of mpox.

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