Mozambique has recorded its first case of monkeypox after a Maputo man was diagnosed to be carrying the disease, Health Minister Armindo Tiago announced on Thursday.
According to Tiago, the man – who had a travel history – tested for the disease after showing symptoms.
“At this moment, the process of tracing all possible contacts is underway so that they can be submitted to the test,” Tiago told journalists.
He called for calm among members of the public and urged them to “follow information about it through the official media.”
Like most of her southern African neighbours, Mozambique has been on high alert since the first case of monkeypox in the region was confirmed in neighbouring South Africa in June.
Monkeypox is usually a mild disease manifesting as a blisters on the skin, with a low fatality rate.
The disease only spread through close droplets, which means one cannot get it by being in the same room with an infected person.
JN/APA