As Mpox infections continue to spread across Sierra Leone, health authorities are intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) confirmed that 15 new cases were reported on Saturday, bringing the total number of infections to 441, with 290 active cases, 147 recoveries, and the death toll remaining at four.

Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a rare viral disease that causes painful skin lesions and flu-like symptoms, though traditionally limited to Central and West Africa, the disease has recently emerged in new regions due to human-to-human transmission.

Since Sierra Leone’s first reported case on January 10, 2025, the virus has now spread across 10 of the country’s 16 administrative districts, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, working with the NPHA, has identified 628 individuals who were in contact with confirmed cases. These contacts are being closely monitored as part of a national contact tracing strategy.

According to health experts, the rapid increase in reported infections is partly due to improved surveillance and a nationwide push for expanded case-finding and public awareness, however, some challenges remain, delays in testing, public fear, and widespread misinformation have hampered early detection and effective isolation.

To combat the spread of Mpox, the government launched a nationwide vaccination campaign on March 27, targeting high-risk groups, these include healthcare workers, close contacts of confirmed cases, and immunocompromised individuals. So far, 887 people, predominantly healthcare workers, have received the vaccine. Sierra Leone has secured 58,300 vaccine doses, which are now available for individuals aged 12 and above.

Speaking to the media, Professor Foday Sahr, executive director of the NPHA, emphasized the importance of accurate and timely information. In a recent briefing with local bloggers, he called for stronger partnerships between the media and public health institutions to combat disinformation, Miss Rachael Kuyembeh, Public Relations Officer for the NPHA, echoed his sentiments, stating:

The fight against Mpox is everyone’s responsibility. We need citizens to take symptoms seriously, get vaccinated, and stop the spread of false information.

The situation in Sierra Leone comes as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) jointly updated their Continental Response Plan for Mpox, released on Thursday, the revised strategy aims to control outbreaks while transitioning to a sustainable, long-term response model. It includes scaling up vaccinations, expanding laboratory capacity, improving clinical care, and bolstering community engagement.

So far, more than 650,000 doses have been administered across six African countries, with over a million doses delivered to 10 nations. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak, has received the bulk of the support.

Despite progress, both WHO and Africa CDC warn of significant challenges, including conflict in outbreak zones and funding shortfalls. An estimated US$220 million is still needed to close the gap in Mpox response efforts across the continent.

Health officials in Sierra Leone continue to encourage the public to seek medical help at the first sign of symptoms, which include fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and a rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters. Anyone showing symptoms is advised to call the 117 emergency health line for immediate assistance.

With coordinated efforts from health workers, local leaders, civil society, and citizens, authorities remain hopeful that the outbreak will be contained. Vigilance, vaccination, and unity remain the cornerstones of the country’s response.