Ethiopia has officially recorded its first two cases of mpox, involving a 21-day-old infant and the child’s mother in the southern border town of Moyale, the Ministry of Health and Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) confirmed on Sunday.
Health authorities believe the virus was likely introduced through cross-border movement, as the infant’s father had recently traveled to neighboring Kenya. Moyale is a key commercial and transit point situated on Ethiopia’s southern frontier, adjacent to Kenya and near Somalia — both of which have reported mpox outbreaks in recent years.
According to a joint statement by the Ministry and EPHI, several family members and contacts are under quarantine as a preventive measure, while health teams have been dispatched to trace and monitor potential exposure.
“The source of the infection is under investigation, but initial findings suggest cross-border transmission,” the statement noted. Public health officials are also urging increased vigilance in border communities to mitigate further spread.
The World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency in 2022, prompting Ethiopia to enhance preparedness efforts. Until now, the country had not confirmed any domestic cases.
As reported by Anadolu Agency (AA), East African nations have seen a rise in mpox alerts due to regional migration and trade activity, which increases the risk of transmission across porous borders.
The Ministry of Health has reiterated the importance of early detection and community awareness, particularly in areas with high population movement. A national response team has been activated to coordinate containment, education, and communication efforts.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can spread through close contact, with symptoms including fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. While generally not fatal, it can be more severe in vulnerable populations, including infants and those with weakened immune systems.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation and have urged the public to report any suspected cases immediately to local health offices.