Sierra Leone has declared a state of emergency following the detection of two cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in less than four days. Health authorities reported that neither patient had known contact with infected animals or other individuals with the virus. Both patients are receiving treatment in the capital, Freetown.
Mpox, which causes symptoms like fever, headaches, and painful boils, spreads through close physical contact, including sexual activity. The World Health Organization (WHO) had declared the virus a global health emergency in August 2024, due to its rapid spread, especially the new strain believed to transmit more easily and cause more severe symptoms.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been the hardest hit by the ongoing outbreak, accounting for a significant portion of the suspected cases and deaths in Africa. The current strain of mpox is distinct from the 2022 outbreak, which predominantly affected men and was controlled through vaccination efforts.
Sierra Leone, which was also the epicenter of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, is now taking proactive steps to prevent a larger-scale crisis.
