By Mackie M. Jalloh
Sierra Leone has confirmed its first Mpox case since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the disease a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2024.
The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) revealed that a 27-year-old male from the Western Area Rural District tested positive for Mpox after undergoing testing at the 34 Military Hospital’s Infectious Disease Laboratory.
This development has prompted a swift and comprehensive response from health authorities, who have activated an incident command system to prevent further spread. The infected individual has been isolated in a secure facility, with health teams working to trace all potential contacts and mitigate exposure risks.
The NPHA and MoH have outlined a series of key measures to combat the outbreak, including:
- Contact Tracing and Monitoring: Extensive efforts are underway to trace and monitor all individuals who had close contact with the patient over the last 21 days.
- Medical Isolation: The patient is receiving specialized medical care in a secure environment to minimize the risk of further infections.
- Strengthening Surveillance: Special attention is being given to high-risk areas, particularly Lungi, where the patient is believed to have travelled recently.
- Health Worker Protection: Healthcare facilities are being equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE), and workers are being trained in Mpox management and prevention.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Efforts to educate the public about Mpox symptoms, transmission, and prevention are being ramped up.
- Global Collaboration: The government is partnering with international organizations, including WHO, to receive technical and logistical support for managing the outbreak.
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, as well as between humans through close contact. Symptoms include fever, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes, which can progress to more severe complications if left untreated.
Health authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected symptoms by calling the emergency hotline (117) or visiting the nearest health facility.
To prevent further spread, citizens are advised to:
- Rely on verified health information.
- Wash hands frequently and practice good hygiene.
- Avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals and handling wild animals.
- Refrain from stigmatizing affected individuals.
Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the NPHA, reassured the public that the health and safety of Sierra Leoneans remain the government’s top priority. “By working together and adhering to health guidelines, we can contain this outbreak and safeguard our nation,” he stated.
The announcement of the Mpox case has sparked concerns among citizens, particularly given its declaration as a global health emergency by WHO. However, the government’s proactive measures and emphasis on transparency have been welcomed as critical steps toward preventing a larger outbreak.
Health authorities will provide regular updates as the situation evolves, with efforts focused on containing the disease and protecting the health of Sierra Leoneans.
