Sierra Leone Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Mpox Outbreak
Two confirmed cases prompt swift government action, including increased surveillance and awareness campaigns.
Sierra Leone has declared a public health emergency following the confirmation of two mpox cases, marking the country's first reported infections since the African Union flagged the virus as a growing health threat.
Health Minister Austin Demby announced the emergency declaration on Monday in Freetown, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention. "The confirmation of two cases of mpox in the country has prompted immediate action as mandated by the Public Health Act," Demby stated. "On behalf of the government of Sierra Leone, I am declaring a public health emergency."
Cases and Response Measures
The first case was reported last week, followed by a second case involving a 21-year-old man who exhibited symptoms on January 6, according to the National Public Health Agency. While neither patient had known contact with infected individuals or animals, the first case involved recent travel to Lungi, a town near the airport in Port Loko District. Both patients are currently receiving treatment in Freetown.
The government’s emergency measures include heightened border surveillance, expanded testing, and a nationwide public awareness campaign. Demby reassured the public that the country’s health system is prepared to respond, drawing on experience gained from the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks. "We urge all citizens to remain calm, stay informed, and report any suspected cases promptly to healthcare authorities," he said.
Understanding Mpox
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease from the same family as smallpox. Symptoms include fever and skin lesions, and the virus can spread through close contact with infected individuals or animals. While mpox was initially confined to Central and West Africa, it gained global attention in 2022 when outbreaks were linked to sexual transmission in more than 70 countries.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been hardest hit by the epidemic, recording an estimated 43,000 suspected cases and 1,000 deaths in Africa this year alone.
Lessons from Past Outbreaks
Sierra Leone remains vigilant given its history with deadly viral outbreaks. The country was at the epicenter of the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic, which claimed around 4,000 lives and devastated its healthcare system. Authorities now aim to prevent a similar crisis by taking swift action against mpox.
With enhanced monitoring and public cooperation, Sierra Leone hopes to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.