The Mozambican government has confirmed that all three mpox (monkeypox) cases recently detected in Niassa province were imported from neighbouring Malawi, which is currently battling a larger outbreak of the virus.

“These are three Mozambican nationals who travelled from Malawi to Mozambique. Malawi has a significantly higher number of cases, slightly more than 40. I believe these cases were contracted through contact,” said Inocêncio Impissa, spokesperson for the Council of Ministers, speaking on Tuesday in Beira, Sofala province, following a Cabinet meeting held during President Daniel Chapo’s working visit.

According to the Ministry of Health, Mozambique has so far confirmed three cases of mpox in the northern province of Niassa. However, the number of suspected cases has increased to 11, as detailed in the latest disease surveillance bulletin issued on Tuesday.

Authorities have assured the public that the situation is under control. Health officials have already implemented preventive measures aimed at containing the outbreak and stopping the virus from spreading to other parts of the country.

“All confirmed patients are clinically stable and remain in home isolation under medical supervision,” the Ministry of Health said.

Mpox, a viral disease that spreads through close contact, has seen a resurgence across the African continent in 2025. Between 1 January and 8 July, 77,458 cases and 501 deaths were reported across 22 African countries, according to regional health data.

Mozambique previously recorded its first mpox cases during the 2022 outbreak, with initial infections identified in Maputo.

Other southern African nations currently reporting mpox cases include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.