The Minister of Health, Armindo Tiago, announced this Thursday the first case of monkey pox in the country and called for "calm and tranquility" to "avoid misinformation.

"We identified yesterday [Wednesday] the first case of monkey pox in our country," out of a total of 49 suspected cases tested, Armindo Tiago said during a press conference in Maputo.

According to the governor, the disease was diagnosed in a man who arrived at the hospital on Tuesday with "fevers and skin lesions," as well as a "history of a recent international trip."

"The sample was collected on the same day and taken to the National Institute of Health, where the diagnosis was confirmed by the PCR technique," the health minister added, noting that the patient is in isolation in a Maputo city hospital, with a "satisfactory state of health."

Armindo Tiago said that all contacts of the case are being traced, and all health professionals are being trained in the diagnosis and management of monkey pox cases.

"Despite this announcement, we must remain calm and tranquil," the minister appealed, noting that epidemiological surveillance will be "intensified" and the health sector's readiness for the "rapid diagnosis of suspected cases."

The most common symptoms of Monkeypox infection, or monkeypox, are fever, severe headache, muscle aches, backache, fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes with the progressive appearance of rashes affecting the skin and mucous membranes.

A person who is sick ceases to be infectious only after complete healing and crusting of the dermatological lesions, a period that may possibly exceed four weeks.

Monkeypox virus is transmitted by close physical contact, such as with injuries or body fluids, or by contact with contaminated material such as sheets, towels, or personal utensils.