Sierra Leone has confirmed its first Mpox case since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the disease a global health emergency in August 2024. The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) announced on Friday late that the patient is a 27-year-old man from the Western Area Rural District.
Authorities have activated an incident command system to manage the outbreak, including isolating the patient, providing medical care, and conducting extensive contact tracing. Health teams are working to identify potential exposures and monitor contacts for 21 days to prevent further transmission. Sierra Leone is also collaborating with international partners, including WHO, for technical and logistical support.
The NPHA urged the public to remain calm and follow health guidelines, emphasizing that collective efforts are critical to containing the virus.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, causes symptoms such as a painful rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. While most recover, severe cases can occur. The virus, part of the Orthopoxvirus genus, spreads through close contact, including skin-to-skin or respiratory interactions.
The ongoing global outbreak has affected over 100,000 people in 122 countries, including those with no previous Mpox cases.
