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The National Public Health Agency (NPHA), in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health (MoH), has launched a rapid response investigation into an outbreak of unexplained skin lesions affecting dozens of students in the Bombali District.
According to a press release issued today, November 18, 2025, the investigation centers on 28 school-going children between the ages of 15 and 17, all residing in the Safroko-Limba Chiefdom.
A multidisciplinary team, comprised of epidemiologists, infection prevention and control (IPC) experts, and laboratory scientists from both district and national levels, has been deployed to the affected community. Their immediate mandate is to conduct detailed investigations to determine the cause of the symptoms, identify suspected cases, trace contacts, implement immediate infection prevention and control measures, and collect samples for urgent laboratory testing in Freetown.
The NPHA stressed that while laboratory results are still pending, there is “no cause for alarm,” and the government is taking all necessary steps to manage and contain the situation swiftly and effectively.
In a Public Advisory, the NPHA urged the community to remain calm and supportive of the ongoing investigations, particularly among children and adolescents. The agency strongly advised against self-medication and the use of unproven traditional remedies for skin conditions.
Community members are encouraged to report any unusual skin conditions immediately or use the toll-free hotline 117 for reporting and seeking guidance. Timely reporting and appropriate medical care are crucial to limiting further transmission.
The government concluded by calling on all communities to cooperate fully with the deployed health teams and adhere to public health guidance in the coming days, emphasizing a collective commitment to preventing the spread of infections and safeguarding communities.
