Sierra Leone has confirmed its first mpox case, marking a concerning development in the ongoing fight against the viral disease.
The National Public Health Agency revealed the patient is a 27-year-old man from the Western Zone district near Freetown.
Authorities confirmed the case on January 10, with health teams mobilized to trace contacts and curb potential transmission.
Efforts are underway to monitor exposed individuals for 21 days while surveillance is heightened in affected areas.
Mpox, a virus related to smallpox, presents with high fever and vesicular skin lesions, causing global alarm since 2022.
The disease, once restricted to African nations, gained international attention after spreading to previously unaffected regions.
The World Health Organization escalated mpox to its highest alert level in 2024, underscoring its public health threat.
Sierra Leone’s health authorities acted swiftly, isolating the patient and launching a nationwide public awareness campaign.
Healthcare workers are receiving protective gear and training to ensure safety and mitigate risks of further infections.
The country recalls its traumatic past with Ebola, which claimed thousands of lives and devastated health infrastructure a decade ago.
This new case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, preparedness, and global cooperation in combating emerging diseases.
