Blantyre District Health Office in Malawi, has confirmed that there is a patient at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) suspected to have contracted mpox.
Dr. Gift Kawalazira, Director of Health and Social Services for Blantyre, reported that the patient was initially referred from Chikwawa District Hospital for other medical issues but later showed symptoms consistent with mpox.
Dr. Kawalazira emphasised that the case is still under investigation, stating that it is too early to confirm whether it is indeed mpox.
“Doctors are still doing a thorough examination on the patient,” Kawalazira said.
Dr Kawalazira said his office has heightened health surveillance and education in the district, which led to the identification of the suspected case.
Meanwhile, Chikwawa’s Director of Health and Social Services, Dr Grace Momba said they are still investigating and will provide information in due course.
It is suspected that the patient has had contact with two individuals in Chikwawa who are also showing similar symptoms.
