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The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) have confirmed Sierra Leone’s first case of Mpox, marking a significant public health challenge since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2024.
The case was identified on January 10, 2025, through thorough testing at the 34 Infectious Disease Laboratory.
The patient, a 27-year-old man from the Western Area Rural District, is currently receiving medical care in isolation to prevent further transmission. Health authorities are actively conducting extensive contact tracing and investigations to identify potential exposures and curb the spread of the virus.
In response to this development, the NPHA and MoH have swiftly activated their incident command system, implementing key measures to contain the outbreak. These include:
Isolating the patient in a secure medical environment.
Conducting extensive contact tracing and monitoring all identified contacts for a 21-day period.
Enhancing disease surveillance, particularly in areas the patient has recently visited, such as Lungi.
Increasing public awareness about Mpox symptoms, transmission modes, and prevention strategies.
Supplying healthcare facilities with personal protective equipment (PPE) and training health workers on infection prevention and control measures.
Collaborating with international health organizations, including the WHO, for technical and logistical support.
Mpox, a viral zoonotic illness, can spread from animals to humans and between people through close contact. Symptoms often include fever, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes. Authorities are urging anyone experiencing these symptoms to contact the health hotline at 117 or visit the nearest health facility for immediate attention.
To mitigate the spread of Mpox, the NPHA and MoH have issued several public health guidelines:
Rely on accurate information from official health sources.
Practice regular handwashing and maintain good hygiene.
Report any Mpox-like symptoms by calling 117 or visiting a health facility.
Avoid close contact with individuals showing signs of illness and refrain from handling wild animals.
Show empathy and refrain from stigmatizing affected individuals.
The health and safety of Sierra Leoneans remain the utmost priority, and the authorities are urging the public to stay calm, vigilant, and adhere to the recommended health guidelines. Continuous updates will be provided as the situation unfolds to ensure transparency and public awareness.
The collective effort of the health sector and the public’s adherence to preventive measures are crucial in controlling the spread of Mpox and protecting the nation’s health.
