Daijiworld Media Network – Malawi

Malawi, May 2: Malawi has confirmed a sixth case of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) following the latest report from the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM). The new case involves an 18-year-old student from the capital, Lilongwe, who exhibited symptoms including fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a skin rash. Samples collected from the patient on Wednesday tested positive for the virus.

Malawi had declared an mpox outbreak on April 17, a day after the first three cases were confirmed. In response to the rising number of cases, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Malawian government, has set up an emergency treatment centre at Kamuzu Central Hospital, one of the country's major regional referral facilities in Lilongwe.

According to the WHO, mpox is an infectious disease that causes symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and a painful rash. While most individuals recover fully, some may experience severe illness. The disease spreads primarily through close contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin or mouth-to-skin contact.

Symptoms typically develop within 1-21 days of exposure and can last between 2-4 weeks, although they may persist longer in individuals with weakened immune systems. The rash, which often begins on the face and spreads across the body, may also appear on the palms and soles, and in some cases, the genital area. It starts as a flat sore that evolves into a blister, which may be painful or itchy, eventually drying up and falling off as it heals.

Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and preventive measures are being strengthened to contain the spread of the disease.