The first case of confirmed Mpox has been recorded in Lusaka, Minister of Health Elijah Muchima has disclosed.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, Dr Muchima identified the patient as a 34 year old female who has since been transferred to University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Infectious Diseases Ward where she is being managed.
Dr Muchima explained that the district had a suspected case of Mpox last week and early Monday on January 13, 2025, the test results came out positive.
The Minister added that another case involving a 28 year old woman has been confirmed in Zimba Compound of Mufulira, District on the Copperbelt Province.
He stated that for both cases, close contacts are also on close monitoring by the health authorities.
“This therefore brings the total cumulative confirmed cases to six including the first case we reported of a Tanzania truck driver diagnosed in Chitambo, Central Province last year and a family of three in Kitwe,” Dr Muchima said.
Meanwhile, the Minister disclosed that no new cholera cases have been reported as of today, and that all 17 patients have been discharged from cholera treatment centers with no recorded deaths.
He commenced the Nakonde District Health office and local authorities for the continued provision of targeted interventions, ensuring that the public is adhering to preventive measures.
Following complaints from patients, Dr Muchima cautioned medical personnel especially in level one hospitals to remain committed to duty.
He revealed that reports have reached his office about health personnel not being available to attend to patients even when on duty.
The Minister warned that punitive measures will be applied to those who will be found wanting.
”Reports have reached my office of doctors not attending to patients especially in the evening as they are busy with personal issues. Those who are not ready to work can inform us so that we employ others to work,” stated.
Dr. Muchima has urged the Provincial Health Director Simulyamana Chonga to talk to his team and find out what is causing the gap in effective health service delivery.
In his response, Lusaka Provincial Health Director, Simulyamana Choonga committed to ensure that there is quality service provision in all health care institutions.
Later, the Minister handed over 200 hand washing stations to all 10 provinces in a bid to improve access to safe and clean hand washing facilities.
Mr Muchima said the move is aimed at preventing the spread of water borne diseases, particularly cholera, which has affected Nakonde District in Muchinga Province.
