By Christabel Chulu
This is Jonathan Simwanza, a driver and resident of Katozi village in Nakonde, he recently battled Mpox for a month.
It all started after he returned from a business trip in Chirundu, where he had gone to deliver a car to a client in the second week of last month.
A day after his return, he experienced a high fever, that same day, in the evening, he noticed something that looked like a pimple on his right cheek.
He did not take it seriously and retired to bed with his family.
When he woke up the following morning, there was a rash on his face and private parts, and the rash started to itch.
Mr Simwanza decided to cross over to a pharmacy in Tanzania, where he was given some painkillers and cream to rub on his body.
He decided to go to a local clinic, the Nakonde Urban Clinic, which is a government health facility.
At that stage, the rash had spread to all other parts of his body, including his face and private parts, making urination painful.
At the clinic three injections were prescribed, administered to him for three days.
However, at all these stages, his condition was not being treated as Mpox.
He tells Chete FM News in an interview on Thursday that tests were done, and was waiting for results.
Few days later,he was isolated from his home and put in isolation at Nakonde Urban Clinic.
He got admitted on July 31 and was discharged on August 13.
His wife also started to show symptoms, but her health did not worsen because she received treatment in good time.
Mr. Simwanza says people should take the disease seriously. During the time he was in isolation, another patient was brought in who also had Mpox.
He says that period had a toll on their family.
According to him, it was strange to be separated from their children for that period.
He is urging people to take the diaeaae seriously and rush to the hospital whenever they experience signs and symptoms and to avoid self-medication.
Mr Simwanza believes that had he taken much time without going to the hospital, he could have been dead by now.
As of Monday, August 25, 2025, there were 38 suspected cases cumulatively, the district has confirmed 14 cases, the youngest is a ten-year-old.
The disease has now taken hold within the community, officials have confirmed that it is being spread within the community, and people do not have to travel elsewhere to get it.
The symptoms of Mpox can be severe and include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash or lesions on the skin.
If not treated promptly, Mpox can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, brain infection, confusion, and even death. Those living with HIV or TB and pregnant women are the most at risk.
Members of the public are being urged to avoid contact with other people, including handshakes, hugs, and kisses, to prevent further transmission.
In the pictures is .Mr Simwanza after his recovery and when he was in isolation at Nakonde urban clinic.
Source: Chete FM