Health authorities in Mozambique have confirmed three positive cases of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the northern province of Niassa.

The suspected cases were initially identified on 8 July in the Lago district, specifically in the administrative posts of Metangula and Cobué. Laboratory analysis conducted by the Niassa Provincial Public Health Laboratory on 10 July confirmed the infections.

According to health authorities press release, all three patients are in stable clinical condition and are currently under home isolation. Additional tests are underway to determine the genotyping of the virus strain.

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease that has been spreading across the African continent. To date, 22 African countries have reported cases, with over 77,458 recorded infections, including 25,831 laboratory-confirmed cases and 501 deaths.

Within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, confirmed cases of Mpox have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Angola, and Tanzania.

Mozambican health authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and follow preventive measures to help contain the spread of the disease.