By Pemphero Malimba:
The total number of mpox cases in Malawi has surpassed 100, with over 25 new cases reported within the past month.
The country recorded its first case in Lilongwe in April this year.
In its mpox spot report dated August 20, 2025, the Public Health Institute of Malawi (Phim) reported 75 cases, including one death linked to the disease.
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However, in its subsequent report on 17 September 2025, Phim said that the number had risen to 110 after 13 new cases were recorded in week 37.
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Of the 110 confirmed cases, 62 were male and 48 female, ranging in age from two to 75 years. Two were cross-border cases.
Lilongwe remained the most affected district, accounting for 92 cases.
Other affected districts include Blantyre, Mangochi, Salima, Ntcheu, Karonga, Nkhata Bay, Mzimba South, Ntchisi and Zomba.
According to the report, 84 individuals had recovered and were discharged from clinical care.
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These included 69 from Lilongwe, three each from Blantyre and Mangochi, two each from Salima and Karonga, and one each from Ntcheu, Nkhata Bay, Ntchisi, Mzimba South and Zomba.
“Eighty-four discharged from care, 32 currently in isolation, two lost to follow-up and one death. One thousand one hundred and sixty-seven contacts identified. Zero new deaths reported,” the report reads.
The institute highlighted challenges in contact tracing and that some patients were reluctant to provide detailed information.
It also reported difficulties due to the movement of suspected cases before the release of laboratory results.
Nevertheless, Phim said several measures had been implemented to address these issues including deployment of rapid response teams to conduct detailed investigations and trace additional contacts.
“Surveillance system enhanced at community and facility level, daily follow-up of contacts, line listing of suspected cases. Case definitions and reporting tools disseminated to districts,” the report says.
Health rights activist Maziko Matemba recently told The Daily Times that the government should investigate the causes of the outbreak and strengthen surveillance and public awareness.
He expressed optimism after Malawi had received a consignment of vaccines with support from the World Health Organisation.
Mpox is a viral disease that can spread from animals to humans and between humans.
Symptoms include fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes.
Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, direct contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids and contaminated surfaces or materials.
