Sierra Leone declared a public health emergency on Monday after confirming two cases of Mpox and announced it would strengthen its border surveillance, France 24 reported.
Speaking in Freetown, the west African country’s Health Minister Austin Demby announced swift action to curb the spread. “In accordance with public health regulations, I declare a public health emergency on behalf of the government,” he said.
Although the WHO issued a global alert about the virus in 2024, Sierra Leone’s first Mpox case was reported only late last week. A second case, involving a 21-year-old man who showed symptoms on January 6, was just confirmed by the National Public Health Agency via social media.
The health emergency declaration enables the government to mobilize resources to contain the disease, prevent its spread, and ensure quality care for affected individuals.
Border monitoring and testing capacities have been enhanced, along with a nationwide awareness campaign. Minister Demby assured that the country’s health system is prepared to address potential developments.
“We urge citizens to remain calm, stay informed, and promptly report any suspected cases to the authorities,” he said.
Mpox, caused by a virus related to smallpox, presents with high fever and skin lesions known as vesicles.
First identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the disease was initially confined to a few African countries before spreading globally in 2022, particularly in developed nations where it had never circulated.