Mozambique's Ministry of Health has announced a raised alert level in response to the new variant of the Monkeypox (Mpox) virus, although there has so far been no record of cases in the country. The measure was revealed on Friday by the National Director of Public Health, Quinhas Fernandes, at a press conference in Maputo.

Fernandes stressed that, although Mozambique has not identified any cases of Mpox, the higher alert level is intended to allow adequate preparation for a possible need to respond. The country has already drawn up a response plan to deal with possible outbreaks, in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), which recently declared the disease a global health emergency.

The new variant of the virus, identified in Europe and Asia, has led to stronger prevention measures in several countries. Mpox, known as "monkeypox", is a viral disease transmitted by close physical contact, both from animals to humans and between humans.

This preventive action in Mozambique is part of a broader effort to protect the population and ensure that the country is prepared to respond effectively to any possible spread of the disease.