The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has announced that Thorngrove Infectious Diseases Hospital is equipped and ready to handle potential cases of Mpox, in the event of an outbreak.
This assurance came from the Chairperson of the Health, Housing, and Education Committee, Ward 23 Councilor Ntombizodwa Khumalo, in response to a question posed by Ward 9 Councilor Donaldson Mabuto during a Full Council Meeting on Wednesday.
Cllr Mabuto had inquired about the city’s preparedness in the face of the global spread of the viral infection.
Mpox, a rare viral disease typically found in Central and West Africa, has recently emerged in new regions. Symptoms include fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and respiratory issues.
“I understand we run numerous health promotion campaigns as a city, but how far have we gone in raising awareness about Mpox? Are we ready to manage cases if we experience an outbreak?” asked Cllr Mabuto.
In response, Cllr Khumalo outlined the city’s readiness and preventive measures.
“As a city, we are well-prepared. We have implemented event-based surveillance in various areas, including corridors along Gwanda Road, Princess Margaret Clinic, and northern suburb clinics. Should any cases emerge, we will be ready to respond,” said Khumalo.
“Thorngrove Hospital has been designated for isolation in case of an outbreak or recorded cases. Although we have not had any cases so far, the hospital is fully prepared to manage any such eventuality.”
The Ministry of Health and Child Care also recently confirmed that the country’s healthcare systems are on high alert, with preparedness and response plans in place to ensure a swift and effective response should Mpox cases be detected in Zimbabwe.
