Surge in Mpox Cases Prompts Response from Sierra Leone Health Authorities

Sierra Leone is experiencing a notable increase in mpox infections, with recent reports indicating 177 new cases over a two-day period, according to health officials. This surge has prompted the government to intensify its public health response, which includes deploying health teams to conduct household screening and testing of suspected cases.

Since January, Sierra Leone has recorded a total of 763 mpox cases, resulting in six deaths and 282 recoveries, as reported by the National Public Health Agency. The capital city, Freetown, bears the highest burden of cases and has established four treatment centers since February to manage the outbreak effectively.

The country declared a public health emergency earlier this year to combat mpox, a virus related to smallpox that causes high fever and skin lesions called vesicles. Misinformation and fear continue to hinder prompt medical assistance, with some individuals delaying testing or treatment, which can lead to unknowingly spreading the virus.

In response, Sierra Leone began vaccinating high-risk populations, including frontline health workers and children aged 12 and above, starting in early April with over 61,300 doses obtained through the World Health Organization and development partners. The vaccination drive has vaccinated over 1,000 individuals, mostly health workers, many of whom are women.

Mpox first emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970 and remained confined mostly to African countries until 2022, when it started spreading globally, reaching regions where the virus was previously unseen. The World Health Organization declared a maximum alert level for mpox in 2024.

Sierra Leone has previously faced severe health crises, notably during the Ebola epidemic from 2014 to 2016, which claimed about 4,000 lives, including nearly 7% of health workers. The ongoing mpox outbreak underscores the importance of robust public health systems and vaccination efforts to prevent further spread and protect vulnerable populations.

For more detailed information, sources include AFP reports and ongoing updates from Sierra Leone’s health authorities.