The Sierra Leonean government has announced that lab tests conducted on samples from the deceased patient in the Kono/Tonkolili region have returned negative for the MPOX virus.

Despite the patient exhibiting severe symptoms consistent with a pox-like virus, the results have ruled out MPOX as the cause.

Health authorities are committed to further investigations to identify the underlying cause of the patient’s condition.

In the meantime, the public is advised to remain vigilant, adhere to basic hygiene practices, and promptly report any unusual symptoms to local health facilities.

The government assures that updates will continue to be provided as new information becomes available.