Health authorities in Karonga have confirmed a positive case of Mpox, marking the district’s first recorded case.
Karonga District Council Public Relations Officer George Mponda has confirmed the development with Malawi24, stating that the case involves a resident of Benjamin Village, under Senior Chief Kilupula.
“The patient reportedly has no recent travel history; however, health officials suspect a possible link through the patient’s mother, who frequently travels to neighbouring Tanzania for business. A sample was collected and sent to Lilongwe for testing, where it was confirmed positive for Mpox.
“The patient and members of the household have since been placed under strict preventive and control measures. We are urging residents of Karonga to support the District Health Office by cooperating with surveillance and response teams deployed in the area”, he added.
Mponda further said surveillance efforts have been intensified, and findings from ongoing investigations will be shared with the public once available.
Mponda has further advised the public to remain vigilant and observe key prevention guidelines, such as avoiding close physical contact with individuals showing symptoms like rashes, fever, or swollen lymph nodes, the public should frequent wash hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers and should refrain from sharing personal items such as towels, beddings, and clothing.
The public should also report any suspected case to the nearest health facility.
By Wakisa Myamba
