A 22-year-old woman has tested positive for Mpox, also known as monkeypox, in the Golfe health district of the Greater Lomé region, the Togolese government announced on Friday.
According to the official statement, the patient is currently receiving treatment in a specialised infectious disease unit.
Mpox is a contagious viral disease that can affect individuals of all ages. It is transmitted through direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes of infected animals, as well as through close human-to-human contact — including sexual contact — or exposure to respiratory secretions, infected skin lesions, or objects contaminated with bodily fluids.
Typical symptoms include fever and skin rashes. In some cases, the disease can be fatal.
In response, the Togolese Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene has announced several measures to curb the spread of the virus. These include strengthened epidemiological surveillance and early warning systems, as well as public awareness campaigns on preventive measures and proper responses in case of symptoms.
The government has also issued the following recommendations to limit transmission: wash hands regularly with soap and water, cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, wear face masks, and avoid any contact with the bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed cases.
Authorities are urging anyone showing suspicious symptoms to seek medical attention promptly, stressing that Mpox is curable if detected early.
Monkeypox remains a serious health threat in Africa, with more than 37,500 cases and 1,450 deaths reported across 15 countries since 2024. The Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Burundi are among the hardest hit.
AC/lb/as/APA