By : Lloyd Mahachi
Sierra Leone has declared a public health emergency after confirming two cases of mpox in recent days. The West African country’s health minister, Austin Demby, announced the move on Monday after the second case of the deadly viral disease was confirmed. This decision was prompted by the need for immediate action, as mandated by the Public Health Act.
The first case of mpox was reported last week, marking the country’s first confirmed case since the African Union’s health watchdog declared a public health emergency over the growing mpox outbreak on the continent last year. A second case was confirmed after a 21-year-old man showed symptoms on January 6. Neither case had known recent contact with infected animals or other sick individuals.
Both patients are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Freetown. The public health emergency declaration enables the government to mobilize resources to contain the disease, prevent further spread, and provide care to those affected. Increased border surveillance and testing, as well as a national awareness campaign, have also been announced.
Sierra Leone’s medical system is prepared to respond to cases, drawing on experience gained during the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks. The health minister urged citizens to remain calm, stay informed, and report any suspected cases promptly to healthcare authorities. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox, characterized by a high fever and skin lesions.
The virus was first identified in 1958, and until recently, most human cases were seen in people in Central and West Africa who had close contact with infected animals. However, in 2022, the virus was confirmed to spread via sex, triggering outbreaks in over 70 countries worldwide. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been severely affected, accounting for the majority of suspected cases and deaths in Africa.
Sierra Leone’s experience with the Ebola outbreak, which killed over 4,000 people between 2014 and 2016, has likely informed its swift response to the mpox outbreak. The government’s proactive measures aim to prevent further spread and provide care to those affected.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
