By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone has confirmed its first Mpox case since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the disease a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2024. The announcement came from Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the Government of Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency (NPHA), in a press release issued in Freetown on January 10, 2025.
The case, confirmed after rigorous testing at the 34 Infectious Disease Laboratory, involves a 27-year-old man from the Western Area Rural District. Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr emphasized the immediate response by health teams who are actively conducting contact tracing to identify potential exposures and curb further transmission.
The NPHA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), has promptly activated its incident command system. The response strategy includes isolating the patient and providing necessary medical care, extensive contact tracing and surveillance in areas visited by the patient, including Lungi. Efforts also extend to public education campaigns on Mpox symptoms, transmission and prevention, alongside supplying healthcare facilities with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and enhancing health worker training on infection control.
“Mpox is a viral illness transmitted through close contact between humans or from animals to humans,” explained Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr. “Common symptoms are fever, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes. We urge anyone experiencing these symptoms to call the emergency line 117 or visit the nearest health facility immediately.”
He also encouraged the public to maintain good hygiene, avoid close contact with sick individuals or wild animals and rely on verified information from official health sources. Emphasizing solidarity, he added, “Show kindness and avoid stigmatizing those affected.”
Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr reassured citizens that the health and safety of Sierra Leoneans remain a top priority. “We urge the public to stay calm, remain vigilant and follow health guidelines. Together, we can manage this outbreak and safeguard our nation.”
Regular updates will be provided as the situation unfolds, ensuring the public stays informed and prepared.
