Mozambique Confirms 17 Mpox Cases in Niassa Province, Declares National Health Alert

Mozambique has declared a national health alert following confirmation of 17 mpox cases in Lago District, located in the northern province of Niassa, authorities announced Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing in the capital Maputo, Dr. Quinhas Fernandes, the National Director of Public Health, said the outbreak was first detected on July 10 and remains localized within the district.

“All confirmed cases are in Lago District, and all patients are currently stable and isolating at home,” Dr. Fernandes said.

The patients range in age from 17 to 38 years and are undergoing the mandatory 21-day isolation period. None have yet been discharged. According to officials, seven patients are female and ten are male.

Of the 12 patients tested for HIV, two were found to be co-infected, highlighting additional public health concerns.

Laboratory testing has confirmed the Clade Ib variant of the mpox virus — the same strain currently circulating in neighboring Tanzania.

“This finding underscores the importance of cross-border coordination,” said Dr. Fernandes, noting that Mozambique has initiated collaborative measures with Malawi and Tanzania to strengthen regional response and surveillance.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic viral illness transmitted primarily through close contact. It typically begins with fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue, followed by a characteristic skin rash.

Mozambique’s last confirmed mpox case was reported in 2022 in Maputo Province. This current outbreak marks the first cluster of locally transmitted cases in the country.

Health authorities have activated emergency protocols and are urging the public to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and report any suspicious symptoms to local health facilities.