The Government of Sierra Leone, through its Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), has confirmed that no cases of Mpox have been reported in the country.
In a recent update, the NPHA stated, “As of 1:00 PM on August 21, 2024, there are no confirmed cases of Mpox in Sierra Leone. Both the MOH and NPHA remain vigilant and fully prepared to detect and respond to any potential cases.”
The public is advised that anyone experiencing a rash, particularly if accompanied by a fever, should immediately contact the emergency hotline at 117.
This announcement comes in the wake of heightened alert in Kono District following the death of a 32-year-old man suspected of having Mpox.
The incident was first reported to the Kono District Surveillance Office on August 20, 2024, at approximately 12:45 PM by Dr. Aliyu, who had initially treated the patient at Dorma Wellbodi Clinic.
Dr. Aliyu’s report triggered a swift response from health authorities. “After receiving the alert, the District Medical Officer was notified, and the Rapid Response Team was deployed to investigate the situation,” stated a representative from the Kono District Surveillance Office.
The patient, a 32-year-old man from Makong Village in the Konikay Sanda Chiefdom of Tonkolili District, had presented with severe symptoms, including a widespread rash, fever, lesions, and pus-filled blisters.
“His symptoms began on August 12, 2024, after returning from his farm,” Dr. Aliyu reported. Initially, the patient had sought treatment at local health centers in the Tonkolili District, but his condition deteriorated.
The Rapid Response Team collected a sample from the patient and arranged for his immediate transfer to the isolation unit at Koidu Government Hospital. “He was moved to isolation around 3:30 PM,” reported the team leader.
Despite these efforts, the patient’s condition worsened rapidly. The ward in-charge immediately alerted the on-call doctor, who arrived to assess the situation. Unfortunately, the patient passed away around 4:30 PM.
In response to this incident, the following critical actions have been undertaken; thorough investigation of the suspected Mpox case, sample collection and dispatch for testing, preparation of the isolation unit, quarantine of close contacts, including the patient’s mother-in-law and younger brother.
On Wednesday, the Government of Sierra Leone announced that the lab test of samples collected from the Kono/Tonkolili patient revealed a NEGATIVE result for the MPOX virus.
“The signs and symptoms of the patient, who is now deceased, were very profound for a pox-like virus,” the government stated.
“The Health Authorities will continue to investigate and test for other causes. We advise the public to remain vigilant, follow basic hygiene protocols, and report any unusual symptoms to the nearest health facility. We will continue to provide timely updates.”
