Malawi's health officials have identified a sixth case of Mpox, heightening concerns over an outbreak that began just two weeks ago. A situational report issued on May 1 by the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) confirmed the latest case, an 18-year-old male student from Area 36, Tumbwe, in Lilongwe District. The student sought medical attention at Bwaila Hospital on April 30 after presenting with typical Mpox symptoms, including fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a distinctive skin rash. Laboratory analysis subsequently verified the infection. Although the patient had not traveled recently, he had close contact with a previously confirmed case, underscoring ongoing local transmission. This newest infection raises the country’s total to six, all recorded in Lilongwe, a concerning indication of possible community spread in Malawi’s most densely populated urban area. Mpox, formerly referred to as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, closely related to the virus responsible for smallpox. Transmission mainly occurs through direct physical contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials like clothing and bedding.
The illness often begins with flu-like symptoms before developing into a skin rash. Although most cases are mild, serious complications can occur, especially among children and immunocompromised individuals.
While historically limited to Central and West Africa, Mpox gained global attention in 2022, as outbreaks emerged worldwide, triggering emergency responses.
In light of the escalating threat, Malawi has intensified its surveillance and response efforts. The Lilongwe District Rapid Response Team has been dispatched to the student’s home for contact tracing and to offer guidance on home-based care. PHIM has also activated its Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate national interventions.
"We are using a multi-sectoral One Health approach," PHIM reported, emphasizing collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Rapid response teams have been mobilized at both district and national levels, while a National Emergency Medical Team remains on standby.
Authorities are encouraging the public to stay calm yet vigilant. Citizens are advised to promptly report any symptoms, avoid close contact with suspected cases, and follow recommended hygiene practices.
The outbreak unfolds amid growing regional concerns about a potential resurgence of Mpox in Southern Africa. Although Malawi has not faced large-scale outbreaks previously, factors such as porous borders, urban crowding, and constrained healthcare resources increase its vulnerability.
Unlike Western countries that have implemented vaccination campaigns and travel restrictions, Malawi and other African nations have primarily focused on public health education, community outreach, and isolation measures.
PHIM has committed to providing regular updates and is ramping up awareness campaigns across affected parts of Lilongwe.
"Protecting the health of Malawians remains our top priority," the institute emphasized.
As the situation develops, the Mpox outbreak will serve as a significant test of Malawi’s capacity to manage and respond to emerging public health threats.
