Sierra Leone has confirmed its first case of Mpox, marking a significant public health concern for the country. The announcement was made on January 10, 2025, by the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the Ministry of Health (MoH). This development comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2024.
The confirmed case involves a 27-year-old man from the Western Area Rural District. Tests conducted at the 34 Infectious Disease Laboratory confirmed the diagnosis. The patient is currently receiving medical care in isolation to minimize the risk of further transmission. Health authorities have initiated extensive contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
In response to this case, the NPHA and MoH have activated an incident command system to manage and contain the outbreak effectively. Several immediate measures have been implemented, including isolating the patient and providing secure medical care, conducting thorough contact tracing, and monitoring identified contacts for a 21-day period to ensure early detection of potential secondary cases. Disease surveillance efforts are being intensified, particularly in high-risk areas such as Lungi.
Public awareness campaigns have also been launched to educate citizens about Mpox symptoms, modes of transmission, and prevention strategies. Authorities are distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare facilities and training health workers on infection prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of transmission in medical settings. Collaboration with international health organizations, including WHO, is underway to secure technical and logistical support for managing the outbreak.
Mpox is a viral disease transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or animals. The disease presents with symptoms such as fever, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes, which can lead to complications if not treated promptly. Health officials have urged anyone experiencing these symptoms to call the emergency hotline at 117 or visit the nearest health facility for immediate assessment and care.
To prevent the spread of the virus, the public has been advised to practice regular handwashing, maintain good hygiene, and avoid close contact with individuals who are sick. Additionally, people are encouraged to refrain from handling wild animals, which are known to be potential carriers of the virus. Authorities are also emphasizing the importance of compassion and discouraging the stigmatization of affected individuals to foster a supportive environment during this public health challenge.
The government has called on all Sierra Leoneans to stay vigilant and follow official health guidelines to protect themselves and their communities. The Executive Director of the NPHA, Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr, highlighted the critical role of public cooperation in controlling the outbreak. He stated, “The safety and health of Sierra Leoneans are our highest priorities. By staying vigilant and following health guidelines, we can protect our communities.”
Regular updates on the Mpox situation will be provided by health authorities as more information becomes available. Authorities are committed to ensuring transparency and timely communication to keep the public informed and engaged in the efforts to contain the outbreak.