AYV News, March 10, 2025
Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency (NPHA) over the weekend reported the first death case of Monkey Pox (MPOX) in the country since the first infection case was reported.
The latest NPHA update revealed that the country has now recorded a total confirmed cases (cumulative) of fifty-nine cases, with a total active cases of thirty-seven, new cases nine, new recoveries 0 and total recovered twenty-two.
The gender distribution of confirmed cases now stands at female eighteen and forty-one male.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease characterised by symptoms such as fever, muscle pains, sore throat, and a distinctive rash that forms blisters and then crusts over.
The illness is usually mild, with most individuals recovering within a few weeks without treatment. However, severe cases can occur, especially in children, pregnant women, or individuals with compromised immune systems.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected skin or body fluids, including sexual contact, or via respiratory droplets. The virus may also spread from infected animals through handling infected meat or via bites or scratches.
In response to the rising number of cases, health authorities in Sierra Leone are intensifying surveillance and public health interventions to curb the spread of the virus. The public is urged to adhere to preventive measures, including practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and seeking medical attention if symptoms develop.
This development in Sierra Leone aligns with regional concerns, as neighboring countries have also reported cases of Mpox. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been monitoring the situation closely, particularly with the emergence of new strains in various regions.
The NPHA said it will continue to work in collaboration with international health bodies to ensure a coordinated response to the outbreak. Efforts are underway to secure vaccines and therapeutics to protect high-risk populations and manage severe cases effectively.
