Freetown – Sierra Leone has declared a public health emergency following the confirmation of two cases of mpox within its borders.
Health Minister Austin Demby announced the emergency measures on Monday, emphasizing the need for immediate action in response to the growing public health threat.
The declaration comes after the country reported its first confirmed mpox case last week, marking the first instance since the African Union’s health watchdog declared a public health emergency over the rising mpox outbreak on the continent. 
A second case was confirmed on January 6th after a 21-year-old man presented with symptoms of the disease.
Neither of the confirmed cases has been linked to recent contact with infected animals or other individuals with mpox.
The public health emergency declaration will enable the government to mobilize resources effectively, enhance disease surveillance, and provide necessary care to those affected. Increased border surveillance and testing will be implemented, alongside a national awareness campaign to educate the public about mpox and preventive measures.
Minister Demby emphasized the country’s preparedness to respond to the outbreak, drawing upon the valuable experience gained during the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks.
Mpox, caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox, is characterized by fever and the appearance of skin lesions. While primarily transmitted through close contact, the virus was confirmed to spread through sexual transmission in 2022, leading to outbreaks in numerous countries worldwide.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been most severely impacted by the current mpox outbreak, with a significant number of suspected cases and fatalities reported.
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