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. This was announced by the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) in a press release today.
The case was identified as a 27-year-old man from the Western Area Rural District. Testing conducted at the 34 Infectious Disease Laboratory confirmed the diagnosis. Health teams are actively engaged in contact tracing to identify possible exposures and prevent further spread.
In response to the case, the NPHA and MoH have activated their incident command system to combat the outbreak. Key actions include:
• Isolating the patient and providing medical care in a secure environment.
• Conducting contact tracing and monitoring identified contacts for 21 days.
• Strengthening disease surveillance, especially in high-risk areas like Lungi.
• Raising public awareness and emphasizing infection prevention.
• Supporting healthcare facilities with personal protective equipment (PPE) and training health workers.
• Collaborating with international health bodies, including WHO, for technical and logistical support.
Mpox, a viral illness transmitted from animals to humans and through close human contact, presents symptoms such as fever, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes. The NPHA urges anyone showing Mpox-like symptoms to immediately call the national emergency hotline 117 or visit the nearest health facility.
To curb the spread of the disease, the public is advised to:
• Obtain information from official health sources.
• Practice proper hygiene, including regular handwashing.
• Avoid close contact with infected individuals and wild animals.
• Refrain from stigmatizing those affected.
Brigadier General Prof. Foday Sahr, Executive Director of NPHA, emphasized the importance of public vigilance and adherence to health guidelines, stating, “The health and safety of every Sierra Leonean remain our highest priority. By working together, we can control this outbreak and protect our nation.”
The NPHA assures the public that regular updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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