Malawi’s health authorities have confirmed a sixth case of Mpox, an 18-year-old male student from Area 36, Tumbwe in Lilongwe District.
The patient developed symptoms on April 30, including fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a characteristic skin rash, and laboratory tests later confirmed the infection.
The student had close contact with a previously confirmed case, indicating local transmission is ongoing.
All six cases have been reported in Lilongwe, raising concerns about potential community transmission in the densely populated urban center.
In response to the growing threat, Malawi has ramped up disease surveillance and response capacity.
The Lilongwe District Rapid Response Team has been deployed for contact tracing and home-based care guidance, and the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) has activated its Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate national efforts.
Authorities are urging the public to remain calm but alert, report symptoms early, avoid close contact with suspected cases, and adhere to recommended hygiene practices.
The outbreak highlights the need for continued public awareness and preparedness in the face of emerging public health threats.
