By Rahim Abdul
Health authorities in Machinga are on high alert following the detection of a second suspected Mpox case in the district this year.
According to a statement issued by Machinga District Hospital spokesperson Wongani Nyirenda, the case involves a 17-year-old boy from Kwilasha Village, Traditional Authority Sitola, who is currently being kept in isolation to prevent any possible spread of the virus.
Nyirenda revealed that medical teams acted swiftly, collecting samples from the patient and sending them to Lilongwe for laboratory testing. The results are expected soon.
“We are calling on the public to immediately report anyone showing symptoms such as sore throat, headache, muscle and back pain, low energy levels, or swollen lymph nodes,” Nyirenda said, stressing that early detection and reporting are key to containing the disease.
Earlier this year, the district recorded its first suspected Mpox case, which later tested negative. However, with Mpox cases resurging in other parts of the country and region, health officials are intensifying community sensitization campaigns.
The Ministry of Health has urged people to avoid direct contact with individuals showing symptoms, maintain proper hygiene and cooperate with health workers to strengthen surveillance efforts and prevent a possible outbreak in Malawi.
