Gambia Reports First Confirmed Mpox Case Amid Regional Rise

On July 23, 2025, The Gambia announced the detection of its first mpox case, signaling the start of an outbreak in the country. The case was identified through routine surveillance, with the patient confirmed on the preceding Friday. This development comes at a time when several neighboring nations in West Africa are experiencing a surge in mpox infections.

Mpox, caused by a virus related to smallpox, is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to humans from infected animals, but human-to-human transmission through close contact is also common. The symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and large skin lesions similar to boils, which can sometimes lead to severe health outcomes.

The World Health Organization has classified mpox as an ongoing international health emergency due to its recent increase in cases across West Africa. In response to the new case, the Gambia's Ministry of Health has launched contact tracing, enhanced community engagement, and other measures to prevent further spread.

Authorities are currently conducting genetic sequencing to determine the specific subtype of the virus involved in the outbreak. Historically, neighboring countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea have reported hundreds to thousands of cases this year, with Sierra Leone reporting over 3,300 cases and Guinea exceeding 200 since September last year. Cases have also been documented in DRC, Uganda, and Burundi.

This development highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring and swift public health responses to control mpox outbreaks in the region.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-gambia-declares-mpox-outbreak.html