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The latest update from the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) indicates that Mpox cases in Freetown are continuing to surge despite warnings and efforts from health authorities.
The latest update on the ongoing Mpox (Monkeypox) outbreak, released on Saturday, June 7, indicated that 45 new cases had been reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases to 3,782.
The Western Area, comprising Western Urban and Western Rural, has emerged as the epicentre of the outbreak. Together, they account for a staggering 3,016 cases, representing nearly 80% of all confirmed cases nationwide. Health authorities reported that the Western Urban (Freetown) tops the chart with 2,259 cases followed by the Western Rural (Waterloo and its environs) with 757 cases.
Health Officials have expressed concern over the high transmission rate in these densely populated areas, urging residents to adhere strictly to public health guidelines and report any symptoms early.
Dr. Tom Sesay, a senior official from the Ministry of Health, stated, “The situation in the Western Area is concerning. We are doing everything possible to contain the spread and protect our communities.”
The NPHA announced on Saturday that there are 958 total active cases and 72 new recoveries bringing the total recoveries to 2,804
They reported that 20 people have died from the disease since the outbreak started in January this year.
The Agency also reported that the disease is more prevalent among males than females with 1,980 cases for the former and 1,802 for the latter.
Meanwhile, the Government has secured Mpox vaccines from the UAE while health authorities have scaled up response efforts in the Western Area, deploying additional surveillance teams, opening temporary treatment centers, and intensifying public awareness campaigns.
The Health Ministry is encouraging the local population to avoid close contact with suspected cases and to report symptoms like rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes early. They are also encouraging locals to call the emergency hotline 117 for assistance.
