Lusaka, Jan 17 (NationPress) Zambia has reported three additional monkeypox cases, increasing the cumulative total to seven, as stated by health authorities.

Health Minister Elijah Muchima informed the media that the recent cases were identified between January 10 and 16, with two originating from the capital, Lusaka, and one from the Copperbelt province.

The ministry is currently enhancing contact tracing and investigations in the affected locales to mitigate the disease's spread. They have also initiated awareness campaigns within local communities, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Zambia recorded its first monkeypox case, also referred to as mpox, in October 2024, involving a Tanzanian visitor.

Mpox is a contagious disease that can lead to symptoms such as a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle pain, backache, and fatigue. While most individuals recover completely, some may experience severe symptoms.

The monkeypox virus (MPXV) is the causative agent, classified as an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family, which includes variola, cowpox, vaccinia, and other related viruses. The virus has two primary clades: clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb).

A global outbreak of clade IIb commenced in 2022 and persists, impacting several African nations as well. There are also rising cases of clades Ia and Ib affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries. Notably, clade Ib was also identified outside Africa as of August 2024.

The natural reservoir for the virus remains unidentified, although various small mammals, such as squirrels and monkeys, have shown susceptibility.

Mpox primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals, particularly within households. This close contact can involve skin-to-skin (such as touching or sexual activities) and mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin interactions (like kissing). It may also occur through face-to-face interactions, which can produce infectious respiratory droplets.

Symptoms of mpox typically arise within a week but can appear anywhere from 1 to 21 days post-exposure. These symptoms generally persist for 2 to 4 weeks, although they may last longer in individuals with compromised immune systems.