Angola reported the first nationwide case of Mpox in the capital Luanda, the country’s Ministry of Health announced Saturday evening (November 16).
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| Mpox has seriously affected several African countries since the beginning of this year. |
| Photo d’illustration : Archives/VNA/CVN |
According to the ministry’s press release, the patient, a 28-year-old woman “of Congolese nationality“, is in isolation with his close contacts under the vigilance of the health authorities.
The ministry said it is implementing measures to disinfect affected areas, identify and trace contacts, and conduct a thorough epidemiological investigation.
Angolan authorities invite the public to reinforce hygiene practices and to consult a doctor in the event of symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, lymphadenopathy, large skin rashes or damage to the mucous membranes.
The authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the public informed of the epidemiological situation and called on the community to demonstrate calm and composure.
Smallpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It is an infectious disease that is transmitted primarily through bodily fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated material.
In August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared smallpox a public health emergency of international concern, marking its highest alert level for the second time in two years.
Xinhua/VNA/CVN
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