Freetown, January 10, 2025 ‘ Sierra Leone has reported its first confirmed case of Mpox since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the disease a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2024.
The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) made the announcement today after tests conducted at the 34 Infectious Disease Laboratory confirmed the case.
The patient, a 27-year-old man from the Western Area Rural District, is currently receiving medical care in isolation. Health officials are conducting extensive contact tracing to identify potential exposures and prevent further transmission.
In response to the confirmed case, the NPHA and MoH have activated an incident command system to manage and contain the outbreak. Immediate actions include:
– Isolating the patient and providing secure medical care.
– Conducting contact tracing and monitoring identified contacts for 21 days.
– Strengthening disease surveillance, especially in high-risk areas, including Lungi.
– Raising public awareness about Mpox symptoms, transmission, and prevention.
– Distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare facilities and training health workers on infection prevention measures.
– Collaborating with international health organizations, including WHO, for technical and logistical support.
Mpox is a viral disease transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or animals. Symptoms include fever, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes. Authorities urge anyone experiencing these symptoms to call the emergency hotline at 117 or visit the nearest health facility.
To prevent the spread of Mpox, the public is advised to:
– Follow official health updates and avoid misinformation.
– Practice regular handwashing and maintain good hygiene.
– Report suspected cases by calling 117.
– Avoid close contact with sick individuals and handling wild animals.
– Show compassion and avoid stigmatizing affected individuals.
Health officials emphasize the importance of public cooperation to control the outbreak.
“The safety and health of Sierra Leoneans are our highest priorities. By staying vigilant and following health guidelines, we can protect our communities,” said Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the NPHA.
Regular updates on the situation will be provided as they become available.
