KONO DISTRICT, SIERRA LEONE – August 21, 2024 – Health authorities in Kono District are on high alert following the death of a 32-year-old man suspected of having Mpox.
The incident was reported to the Kono District Surveillance Office on August 20, 2024, at approximately 12:45 PM by Dr. Aliyu, who initially received the patient at Dorma Wellbodi Clinic.
Dr. Aliyu’s call prompted immediate action. “Upon receiving the notification, the District Medical Officer was informed, and the Rapid Response Team was dispatched to investigate the case,” confirmed a spokesperson from the Kono District Surveillance Office.
The Rapid Response Team, which included the District Surveillance Officer, clinicians, and a laboratory technician, quickly arrived at Dorma Wellbodi Clinic. There, they met with Dr. Aliyu, who handed over the case for further investigation.
The patient, a 32-year-old man from Makong Village, Konikay Sanda Chiefdom in the Tonkolili District, had been brought to the clinic with severe symptoms, including a widespread rash, fever, lesions, and pus-filled blisters.
“The symptoms began on August 12, 2024, after the patient returned from his farm,” Dr. Aliyu explained. The patient had initially sought treatment at the Makonte MCHP and Makalli CHP in Tonkolili District, but his condition worsened.
The patient also confirmed that he regularly hunted rodents and had no recent travel history to neighboring communities or chiefdoms. The Rapid Response Team collected a sample from the patient and arranged for his immediate evacuation to the Koidu Government Hospital Isolation Unit.
“The patient was moved to the isolation unit at around 3:30 PM,” said the team leader.
Despite these efforts, the patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly. The ward in-charge alerted the on-call doctor, who arrived promptly to examine the patient. Tragically, the patient passed away at approximately 4:30 PM.
In response to the incident, several critical actions have been taken:
1. Investigation of the suspected Mpox case
2. Sample collection and shipment for testing
3. Preparation of the isolation unit
4. Quarantine of the patient’s close contacts, including his mother-in-law and younger brother
5. *lNotification to the Tonkolili District DHMT for an active case search
6. Documentation of close family members’ details
Health officials are now awaiting the results of the specimen analysis to confirm the presence of Mpox. In the meantime, the Kono District health authorities are intensifying their active case search in collaboration with the Tonkolili District Health Management Team (DHMT).
They are also engaging the community to raise awareness about Mpox and encouraging the implementation of strict public health measures.
“The situation is being closely monitored,” said a representative from the Kono District Surveillance Office, “and the Kono District One Health Rapid Response Team has been activated to manage any further developments.”
