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The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has confirmed one new case of Mpox, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to five since the declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 14, 2024. The latest case, identified on January 17, 2025, comes amid ongoing efforts to curb the outbreak.
Since the outbreak was declared, 77 suspected cases have been reported, with 70 tested for Mpox. Four of the confirmed cases are currently receiving treatment in health facilities, while one is being managed at home. Fortunately, none of the cases are in critical condition, and there have been no reported deaths.
The five confirmed cases are distributed as follows:
Two from Western Area Rural District
One from Tonkolili District
One from Bombali District
One from Western Area Urban District
Additionally, 173 contacts have been identified, with 138 under active monitoring by the Case Management team.
Genomic sequencing for the first two cases confirmed the Mpox Cade IIb virus strain. Health authorities have developed a case definition to guide detection and have sent seven new samples for laboratory analysis.
The government has activated the National Incident Management System (IMS) and Emergency Operations Centers (DEOCs) in affected districts, with Tonkolili and Bombali set to follow suit. Enhanced disease surveillance and rapid response team investigations are ongoing in six districts, including Western Area Urban and Rural, Port Loko, Tonkolili, Bo, and Bombali.
The Ministry of Health has intensified public health actions, including:
Active case search in communities and health facilities
Counseling for patients and their families
Radio programs for public awareness across all 16 districts
Engagement with partners for case management support
Public health laboratories are conducting ongoing sample testing, and plans are underway to decentralize Mpox testing to labs in Makeni and Kenema.
The response effort faces challenges such as:
Limited emergency funds and Mpox vaccines
Fear and public denial of the outbreak
Movement restrictions for confirmed cases outside isolation units
To address these challenges, the Ministry is mobilizing resources, engaging partners like GAVI and Africa CDC, and planning the identification of high-risk groups for vaccination once vaccines are available.
Community Engagement and Prevention
Efforts to enhance risk communication and community engagement include:
Displaying Mpox information materials at points of entry
Screening incoming and outgoing travelers
Conducting IPC needs assessments in Western Area hospitals
The government remains committed to controlling the outbreak and urges the public to report any symptoms of Mpox to health authorities promptly.
With ongoing support from national and international partners, Sierra Leone is strengthening its response to the Mpox outbreak to safeguard public health and prevent further spread.
The Ministry of Health continues to call for public cooperation and adherence to preventive measures to combat the disease effectively.
