Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Sierra Leone government, in an urgent response to the growing Mpox outbreak, has initiated a nationwide vaccination campaign aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.
The first confirmed case of Mpox was reported on 10th January, 2025, and since then, the number of diagnosed cases has risen to 341. Currently, 247 individuals are still infected, while 91 have recovered and three individuals with pre-existing health conditions have sadly succumbed to the illness.
Health officials attribute the rise in infection cases to increase active case detection by health teams and individuals more readily seeking medical care when feeling unwell. The establishment of new treatment centers has reportedly improved patient care, allowing health workers to provide timely interventions.
The medical authorities have admonished that delays in testing have allowed some individuals to unknowingly spread the virus, compounded by misinformation and fear that prevent others from seeking help.
To address the health crisis, Sierra Leone has received 58,300 vaccine doses, with the vaccination rollout, which began on 27th March, 2025.
Authorities have confirmed that the vaccine is available for individuals aged 12 and older, focusing on those at high risk, including healthcare workers, close contacts of confirmed cases, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
So far, record has confirmed that 887 people have been vaccinated, with the majority being female health workers.
The Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), Professor Foday Sahr, has called on communities to engage with credible sources of information to raise awareness about Mpox, encouraging bloggers to spread accurate information about the reasons behind the surge in cases, which highlights the vital role of community education in combatting the outbreak.
The PRO-1 of the NPHA, Rachael Kuyembeh, said that tackling Mpox is a responsibility for all, urging individuals to contribute to disseminating important information while seeking medical assistance when symptoms arise.
The government and health officials stressed that collective action is crucial in the fight against Mpox. They encourage prompt medical attention for anyone showing symptoms and vaccination for those eligible to help build community protection. Meanwhile, citizens are advised to contact emergency health services at 117 if they suspect they or someone they know may have Mpox.
Mpox, formerly known as Monkey Pox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus related to smallpox. it spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with materials that are contaminated. Symptoms of the virus appear within 1-2 weeks and may include fever, headaches, muscle aches, chills and swelling of the lymph nodes.
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