Tanzania confirms two mpox cases

By Osoro Nyawangah, DODOMA Tanzania

The government of Tanzania has confirmed its first two cases of mpox, the health ministry said Monday, the first time the virus has been detected in an outbreak that has hit several African countries.

Two individuals exhibiting symptoms were isolated and tested on Sunday, health minister Jenista Mhagama said in a statement on the ministry website.

The individuals, exhibiting symptoms like facial, hand, and foot rashes, along with fever, headaches, sore throats, and body aches, were tested after the ministry received reports on March 7, 2025.

One of the suspected cases involved a cargo driver who traveled from a neighboring country to Dar es Salaam. Samples were sent to the National Laboratory for testing, and on March 9, the lab confirmed both individuals were infected with the Mpox virus.

"Among the suspects, one is a truck driver who travelled from a neighbouring country to Dar es Salaam," the statement said.

“The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), continues to monitor, investigate, and identify additional potential cases,” the statement reads.

Since many viral diseases like Mpox lack specific treatments, patients are managed based on their symptoms. The Ministry urges the public to seek medical attention if they exhibit symptoms of Mpox and to call the free hotline at 199 for advice.

In a report by the African Union's health agency last week, 6,034 cases of mpox have been confirmed since January in 22 countries, resulting in 25 deaths.

Mpox, caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox, can be transmitted between humans through close physical contact. It causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like skin lesions, and can be deadly.

It has two subtypes: clade 1 and clade 2.

Its spread caused the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency of international concern—its highest alarm—in August 2024.