After registering two suspected cases earlier this week, Malawi has begun screening for mpox at all ports of entry, in a bit to prevent the spread and potential outbreak of the virus.
Visitors will have to undergo screening at airports and border points. Malawi is one of the few Southern African countries that have so far managed to avoid an a mpox outbreak.
Screening for mpox has become mandatory including at international airports, and they form part of a raft of preventative measures.
So far, there are two suspected mpox cases awaiting laboratory test results, including a 31-year-old male who is being treated in hospital and a 17-year-old boy who is receiving care at home, but the country is planning for a worst-case scenario.
"There is a vaccine against mpox, but it's not given to just everyone like we are doing with the COVID-19 vaccine or other vaccines, this is only reserved for those who are at a very high risk," said Adrian Chikumbe, a spokesman of the Malawi Ministry of Health.
The country's Health Ministry has also set up a mobile diagnostic unit at a hospital in the country's capital Lilongwe.
As part of the mitigation measures, authorities have also embarked on mpox awareness campaigns, especially through community health networks.
"This disease could potentially also affect the people of Malawi, so my advice to people is that, when you meet a person or see someone who has mpox, please avoid any contact with them and also avoid any contact with materials of the people that have been affected by mpox," said Carol Luka, a community health worker.
For now, the screenings at the ports of entry remain the first line of defense, so that mpox cases can be picked up early and dealt with, with the urgency it requires.
Malawi begins mpox screening at entry ports after registering 2 suspected cases
Malawi begins mpox screening at entry ports after registering 2 suspected cases
