Minister of Health, Elijah Muchima, has announced that the country has recorded the first Mpox related death involving an 8 month old infant at Chipata Level 1 in Lusaka.
Dr. Muchima said that a comprehensive mortality review meeting has been held to ascertain the cause of death, adding that this was concluded to have been complicated pneumonia in a known Mpox patient.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka today, Dr. Muchima said that in the last one week, the country has recorded 7 new cases of Mpox.
Dr. Muchima said that continued capacity building through trainings and mentorship for frontline health workers is being done to avert future deaths.
“Other key control and containment measures being instituted include active case search, contact tracing, risk communication and community engagement, and prepositioning of supplies,” said Dr. Muchima.
He has therefore urged the public to adhere to the recommended public health and social measures such as hand hygiene, safe water, good sanitation and seeking treatment early to prevent the further spread of Mpox.
By Angel Kasabo
