Sierra Leone is experiencing a significant rise in mpox infections, with 177 new cases reported over a recent two-day period, according to a health ministry official.
The West African nation, which declared a public health emergency in January to combat the outbreak, has deployed health teams for household screenings of suspected cases.
Amanda Clemens, a health ministry coordinator, announced the latest figures on Saturday.
Since January, Sierra Leone has recorded a total of 763 mpox cases, including six deaths and 282 recoveries, according to data released by the National Public Health Agency on Saturday.
The capital, Freetown, has emerged as the epicenter of the outbreak since the emergency declaration, prompting the government to establish four treatment centers in the city since February.
Misinformation and fear are reportedly hindering some individuals from seeking timely medical help, potentially contributing to the virus’s spread before diagnosis, stated Sallu Lansana of the health ministry’s vaccination team.
In early April, the country initiated vaccinations for frontline healthcare workers, high-risk individuals, and children aged 12 and above, after receiving 61,300 doses from the World Health Organization and partner organizations.
Desmond Maada Kangbai, who heads the vaccination program, noted that over 1,000 people, predominantly healthcare workers and many of whom are women, have been vaccinated.
