Sierra Leone has declared a public health emergency after confirming two cases of mpox.
The country’s Health Ministry announced the emergency declaration on Tuesday, outlining key strategies to manage the current situation, break the chain of transmission, and enhance surveillance efforts.
This declaration follows the confirmation of the first mpox case in Sierra Leone on January 10th.
Mpox, a viral disease related to smallpox, is characterized by fever and a distinctive rash. In 2022, outbreaks were reported in over 70 countries worldwide.
The World Health Organization declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024.
While the Democratic Republic of Congo remains the most affected country in Africa, with over 49,000 suspected cases and 1,100 confirmed deaths since January 2024, this recent outbreak in Sierra Leone highlights the ongoing public health challenges posed by the virus.
It is important to note that Sierra Leone previously experienced a devastating Ebola outbreak in 2014.