DAR ES SALAAM, Aug 4 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — THE Tanzanian government through the Ministry of Health has assured the public that all measures are being taken to control the monkeypox virus in the country, should any case be reported in the country.
Acting Head of Government Communication in the Ministry of Health, Englibert Kayombo, in a public statement issued on Saturday, stated that the ministry is well-prepared to ensure it provides quality treatment services if any Mpox patient is reported in the country.
He gave the clarification following the report on the increase of patients and death cases in some neighbouring countries such as Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Recently, Kenya confirmed its first Mpox case at a Taita Taveta border point. The virus was detected in an individual, reportedly a long-distance truck driver, who was travelling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya
“The Ministry of Health informs the public that so far, Tanzania is safe and there is no patient who has been found to have the Mpox disease. This disease has not entered the country and it is therefore important that we work together to ensure our country remains safe,” said Kayombo.
The infection, which is caused by the Monkeypox virus, spreads through close contact, causing flu-like symptoms and a painful rash. Most cases are mild but can kill.
Kayombo said the Mpox disease can be transmitted from an infected person to another through bodily fluids, including saliva, vomit, sweat, and urine; as well as respiratory droplets.
He said, it can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin and sexual contact with an infected person or by using unsterilised equipment, bedding, or touching areas with the virus. But also the disease can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Kayombo explained that the main symptoms of Mpox are rashes, blisters or sores on the body, especially on the hands and feet, chest, face and sometimes the genital area. These are accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes.
Through the statement, the Ministry has advised all citizens to take precautionary measures against the disease by following various instructions, including reporting through the toll-free number 199 if someone spotted with Mpox symptoms.
The citizens are also advised to avoid touching the bodily fluids or skin of someone with Mpox symptoms, avoid shaking hands, hugging and kissing someone with Mpox symptoms.
Citizens are therefore advised to regularly wash hands with running water and soap or using hand sanitisers, wear face mask and seek medical attention immediately whenever Mpox symptoms are detected.
In addition to that, the Ministry has also warned on eating or touching dead wild animals such as monkeys or antelopes.
The ministry reminded all health providers across the country to adhere to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidelines at all times when treating patients including strengthening disease surveillance, especially at border health facilities, and ensured that medical and protective equipment are available in service delivery areas.
“The ministry will continue to strengthen the control of this disease at all borders to prevent it from entering the country,” he said.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports, there have been reports of the Mpox disease (previously known as Monkeypox) in various countries globally.
From May 2022 when the disease started until 31 May 2024, about 97,745 patients and 203 deaths have been reported from 116 countries worldwide. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
