Dar es Salaam - Tanzania has confirmed its first two cases of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox), following a laboratory report conducted on March 9th in Dar es Salaam. This marks the first time the disease has been reported in the country.

The government, with the support of the World Health Organization(WHO) and partners, has been reinforcing emergency preparedness with a focus on strengthening capacity to detect, confirm and respond to public health emergencies in recent times. 

Drawing from the experience and lessons learnt during response to the outbreak of Marburg in January 2025 the government is taking immediate action to control the Mpox outbreak. So far, the measures undertaken include isolation and management of suspected cases, contact tracing to identify and monitor all potential exposures and intensifying public awareness to educate communities on the symptoms of Mpox and preventive measures. With this outbreak, Tanzania became the 23rd country, affected in the African region.

“WHO with its partners remains committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the Mpox outbreak under control as soon as possible,” said Dr Charles Sagoe-Moses, WHO Representative in Tanzania. “ We have strongly collaborated in the fight against Marburg and will surely overcome Mpox with strong collaboration.”

The country’s response efforts include the activation of the Public Health Emergency Operations Center which will coordinate response interventions in line with WHO guidelines and recommendations for managing Mpox outbreaks. Other measures underway, include strengthening disease surveillance and search for contacts, laboratory confirmatory testing, treating cases, limiting transmission through infection control, and public awareness to prevent further transmission of the virus, enhancing active case search and investigation for a more effective outbreak response.

Mpox is a viral disease caused by an  Orthopoxvirus virus. It spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has Mpox, causing a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. In severe cases, the disease can be deadly.