Malawi health officials have confirmed the sixth case of MPOX, further escalating concerns about an outbreak that appeared just two weeks ago.
According to a spot report released by the Malawi Public Health Institute (PHIM) on May 1, the most recent case includes an 18-year-old male student from 36 Tambu Region area in Lilongwe district. The patient sought treatment at Bwaira Hospital on April 30 after developing classic MPOX symptoms, fatigue, shortness of breath and a distinctive skin rash. Clinical testing later confirmed the infection.
Although the student had no recent history of travel, he was in close contact with a previously confirmed case, indicating that local transmissions are still in progress.
This latest case brings a national total of six, with all infections reported in Lilongwe.
Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, a close relative of the natural PO virus. The disease is spread primarily through close physical contact, including infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials such as clothing and bedding. In many cases, symptoms start with signs like flu and progress to skin rashes. It is mostly mild, but severe illness can occur, especially in children and immunodeficiency.
Although historically limited to Central and West Africa, MPOX has been a global health concern since 2022, with sporadic outbreaks spurring emergency response across the continent.
In response to the spread of the threat, Malawi has strengthened its disease surveillance and response capabilities. The Lilongwe District Rapid Response team is already deployed in student housing for contact tracing and home care guidance. Phim is also activating the Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate national efforts.
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“We use a multi-sector, one health approach,” Phim reported, highlighting collaboration across the human, animal and environmental health sectors. Rapid response teams are mobilized at both the district and national levels, while national emergency medical teams are on standby.
Authorities are urging the public to stay calm but vigilant. It is recommended that people report symptoms early, avoid close contact with suspected cases, and adhere to recommended hygiene practices.
The outbreak comes at a time of growing regional concern over the possibility of a revival of South Africa’s MPOX. Malawi has not experienced any major outbreaks in the past, but its porous boundaries, high urban density and limited healthcare infrastructure add to the risk.
Unlike Western countries that have deployed vaccines and travel restrictions, Malawi and other African countries rely heavily on public health messaging, community involvement and isolation protocols.
Phim has committed to providing regular updates and continues to strengthen its public awareness campaign across Lilongwe-influenced regions.
“Protecting the health of Malawians remains our number one priority,” the institute emphasized.
As the situation unfolds, the outbreak of MPOX serves as a key test of Malawi’s epidemic preparation and resilience in the face of new public health threats.
