Sierra Leone - Mpox outbreak 2025

[Mary Wilson]

11 Jan 2025

Sierra Leone has reported its first confirmed case of mpox since the world's highest alert level for the potentially deadly viral disease was raised last year.

"The patient is a 27-year-old man from the rural district of the Western Zone," near the capital Freetown, the National Public Health Agency stated in a social media post.

"Health teams are actively tracing and investigating to identify potential exposed persons and to prevent further spread," it said.

The agency added tests had confirmed the case on January 10 but did not specify the variant affecting the patient. ...

https://trtafrika.com/africa/sierra-leone-confirms-first-case-of-mpox-18252694

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National Public Health Agency

January 10 at 1:35 PM

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Press Release

Sierra Leone Confirms First Mpox Case since Global Health Alert


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[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.oneindia.com/internation...1-4041723.html

Sierra Leone Declares State of Emergency Following Second Mpox Case in Four Days
By Sathish Raman Time Updated: Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 3:36 [IST]

Sierra Leone has declared a state of emergency following the detection of its second mpox case within four days, according to health officials. The health ministry noted that neither patient had recent contact with infected animals or sick individuals. The first case involved travel only to Lungi, an airport town in the northern Port Loko District, between December 26 and January 6.

Both patients are currently receiving medical care in Freetown, the capital city. Mpox, also referred to as monkeypox, was first identified in 1958 when scientists observed outbreaks of a pox-like illness in monkeys. Historically, human cases were mostly reported in central and West Africa among those who had close contact with infected animals...

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Scaling up mpox outbreak response in Sierra Leone

18 February 2025

Freetown ‒ Sierra Leone is deploying a range of measures to control and end an outbreak of mpox in which 18 cases have so far been reported since the disease was confirmed on 13 January 2025.

The National Public Health Agency, with support from partners, including World Health Organization (WHO), is stepping up disease surveillance to swiftly detect cases, provide care and prevent further spread of infection. With technical and logistical support from WHO, emergency public health workers are enhancing active case search and investigation for a more effective outbreak response.

Sierra Leone has been reinforcing preparedness and capacity to respond to public health emergencies in recent years. In November 2024, WHO supported the training of 65 health workers and laboratory personnel in diagnostic procedures and sample collection. Additionally, 160 health workers were trained on integrated approach covering surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control, laboratory practices, and risk communication and community engagement. This proactive approach ensured frontline workers were prepared to manage the mpox outbreak from the onset.

To further help curb the spread of the disease, a consignment of 61 300 vaccine doses is expected to be delivered in the coming weeks in Sierra Leone thanks to support from WHO and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and UNICEF. These organizations will cover operational costs for the vaccination targeting at-risk people, including health workers. Additionally, efforts, coordinated by partners, including UNICEF, are underway to increase public awareness about the disease as well as encourage preventive measures and the importance of seeking medical care.

WHO has already delivered over US$ 38 000 worth of essential laboratory supplies and personal protective equipment, including gloves, gowns, aprons, face shields, biohazard waste bags, and infrared thermometers. Supplies also included genomics sequencing reagents, PCR kits for 400 tests, GeneXpert cartridges for 50 tests, and genomic sequencing kits for 45 tests.

Clinical care is also being reinforced. WHO has procured treatment kits for 20 inpatients and 180 outpatients and is providing technical expertise to clinicians and other responders by assisting in the planning of response activities and developing case management guidelines and training programmes.

“Despite numerous challenges, WHO has successfully mobilized resources at all levels to deliver vital commodities, including vaccines,” says Dr George Ameh, WHO Representative in Sierra Leone. “We will continue to support the country to bring this current outbreak under control.”

An upsurge of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its spread to neighbouring countries was declared a public health emergency of international concern on 14 August 2024. At total of 22 countries in the African region have reported cases since 2024, of which 12 currently have active outbreaks.

WHO and partner organizations are working closely with the affected countries to contain these outbreaks. According to Professor Foday Sahr, the Director of Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency, the support by WHO “continues to ensure our ministry and agency succeed in safeguarding the health of our citizens.”

Mpox is a viral disease caused by an orthopoxvirus. It spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has mpox, causing a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. In severe cases, the disease can be deadly.

https://www.afro.who.int/countries/sierra-leone/news/scaling-mpox-outbreak-response-sierra-leone

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 10: 3 - 9 March 2025
Data as reported by: 17:00; 9 March 2025
...
Sierra Leone
Mpox

72 Cases
1 Deaths
1.4% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The ongoing mpox outbreak in Sierra Leone, first
reported to WHO on 11 January 2025, has intensified
both in scale and geographic spread, raising significant
public health concerns. Since our last update (Week
4 Bulletin), 56 new cases with one death have been
reported across the country. In epidemiological week 10
(week ending 9 March 2025), 34 new confirmed cases
and one death were reported from two districts: Western
Area Urban (32 cases, 1 death) and Western Area Rural
(2 cases, 0 deaths), marking a dramatic increase in the
number of new cases as well as the first mpox death
reported in the current outbreak.

From 11 January to 9 March 2025, a cumulative total of
72 confirmed mpox cases, including one death (CFR
1.4%), have been reported across eight districts in Sierra
Leone. The Western Area Urban (n=52) and Western
Area Rural (n=7) account for 81.9% of all reported cases,
while the remaining cases are distributed across Bombali
(n=3), Tonkolili (n=3), Port Loko (n=2), Moyamba (n=2),
Bo (n=2), and Karene (n=1). Among the confirmed
cases, one is a healthcare worker. The age of affected
individuals ranges from 1 to 52 years, with a mean age
of 21 years. Adults aged 25 to 39 years represent the
most affected group, constituting 58.3% (n=42) of the
total cases. The outbreak has predominantly impacted
students (30 cases) and business persons (23 cases),
who together account for 73.6% of all reported cases.

As of 9 March 2025, a total of 415 contacts have been
identified. Among them, 374 have completed the 21-
day monitoring period, while 41 remain under follow-up.
Additionally, 49 active cases are currently receiving
clinical management, with 36 admitted to hospital
isolation wards and 13 being managed through home
care.

Genomic sequencing analysis of eight samples shipped
to the Institut Pasteur Dakar confirmed that Clade IIb is
the circulating strain of the mpox virus (MPXV) in Sierra
Leone. This strain was responsible for the 2022–2023
global outbreak, which led to widespread human-tohuman
transmission, particularly in Europe and the Americas.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Sierra Leone’s response to the mpox outbreak continues
to be coordinated by a National Incident Management
Team from the Public Health Emergency Operations
Centre (PHEOC). The National Public Health Agency,
with technical support from WHO and health partners, is
conducting routine technical and operational meetings to
guide response actions. A National Incident Action Plan
has been developed to steer the mpox response, and a
public-private partnership initiative is in place to mobilize
support for response efforts.

At the subnational level, coordination structures are in
place to support the operational response in affected
districts. Rapid response teams deployed in these
districts continue to actively conduct response activities.
Active surveillance for mpox is ongoing across the
affected districts. In Western Area Urban and Western
Area Rural, an enhanced surveillance initiative called
“Operation Find Them All” was recently launched on 27
February 2025, focusing on actively identifying mpox
cases in communities and health facilities. Detailed
case investigations and contact tracing efforts are also
ongoing.

Laboratory testing for mpox confirmation continues
at public health laboratories, including the 34 Military
Hospital, the Central Public Health Reference Laboratory
(CPHRL), and the Jui P3 Laboratory. Genomic sequencing
to identify the circulating strain has also been performed.
WHO and its health partners, including the Global Alliance
for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), UNICEF, and the
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, have
delivered 58,300 doses of the Modified Vaccinia Ankara
- Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) mpox vaccine to support
the outbreak response. The national technical advisory
group on vaccines held a meeting to approve the use of
the vaccine in the country.

Additionally, WHO has already delivered over US$
38000 worth of essential laboratory supplies and
personal protective equipment, including gloves,
gowns, aprons, face shields, biohazard waste bags, and
infrared thermometers. Supplies also included genomics
sequencing reagents, PCR kits for 400 tests, GeneXpert
cartridges for 50 tests, and genomic sequencing kits for
45 tests.

A total of 36 active cases have been admitted to hospital
isolation wards for clinical care, while 13 are being
managed through home care. A total of 22 cases have
recovered. WHO has procured treatment kits for 20
inpatients and 180 outpatients and is providing technical
expertise to clinicians and other responders by assisting
in the development of case management guidelines and
training programs.

An infection prevention and control mentorship program
for mpox has been activated for healthcare workers in 18
health facilities in the Western Area Urban district.
There are also ongoing activities to raise community
awareness and combat misinformation through radio
and community outreaches in the Western Area Urban
and Western Area Rural districts. Media monitoring
and social listening activities are being implemented to
track rumours and infodemics. Mpox information education
and communication materials are being disseminated on various
platforms.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The increase in cases, including the first death in this outbreak, can be attributed to continued human-to-human
transmission, particularly in urban areas where most cases are concentrated among young adults, students, and
business people. Increased social interaction, mobility, and crowded environments such as schools, universities, and
workplaces may be contributing to the spread of the virus, especially with the identified Clade IIb strain, known for
widespread human-to-human transmission. While these trends are not uncommon in mpox outbreaks, the concentrated
exposure within specific high-risk groups underscores the need for targeted prevention and awareness initiatives.
Although response actions like active surveillance, contact tracing, and laboratory testing are underway, resource gaps
remain, hindering an effective and efficient response. Strengthening risk communication and community engagement
to promote awareness and preventive health practices and address misinformation will be crucial to controlling this

https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/disease-outbreaks/outbreaks-and-other-emergencies-updates

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https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/disease-outbreaks/outbreaks-and-other-emergencies-updates

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 12: 17 - 23 March 2025
Data as reported by: 17:00; 23 March 2025
...
Sierra Leone

Mpox

108 Cases
2 Deaths
1.9% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Sierra Leone continues to experience a rapid rise in
the number of reported mpox cases, raising significant
public health concerns. Since our last update in Week
8 Bulletin, a total of 36 new cases with one death were
reported from two districts. These include 27 new cases
with one death from Western Area Urban, which remains
at the epi-centre of the outbreak and nine (9) new cases
from the Western Area Rural.

From 11 January to 19 March 2025, a cumulative total of
108 confirmed mpox cases, including two deaths (CFR
1.9%), have been reported across eight districts in Sierra
Leone. The Western Area Urban (n=79) and Western
Area Rural (n=16) account for 88.0% of all reported
cases, while the remaining cases are distributed
across Bombali (n=3), Tonkolili (n=3), Port Loko (n=2),
Moyamba (n=2), Bo (n=2), and Karene (n=1).

Among the confirmed cases, one is a healthcare worker.
The age of affected individuals ranges from 1 to 52 years,
with a mean age of 21 years. Males constitute 75.9%
(n=82) of the total cases. Age group 20 to 39 years
are the most affected, constituting 66.7% (n=72) of the
total cases. The outbreak has predominantly impacted
students (31 cases) and business persons (23 cases),
who together account for 50.0% of all reported cases.
As of 19 March 2025, a total of 600 contacts have been
identified. Among them, 414 have completed the 21- day
monitoring period, while 186 remain under follow-up.
Additionally, 68 active cases are currently receiving
clinical management, with 32 admitted to hospital
isolation wards and 36 being managed through home
care.

Genomic sequencing analysis of eight samples shipped
to the Institut Pasteur Dakar confirmed that Clade IIb is
the circulating strain of the mpox virus (MPXV) in Sierra
Leone. This strain was responsible for the 2022–2023
global outbreak, which led to widespread human-tohuman
transmission, particularly in Europe and the Americas.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Sierra Leone’s response to the mpox outbreak continues
to be coordinated by a National Incident Management
Team under the leadership of the National Public Health
Agency (NPHA). The NPHA, with technical support from
WHO and health partners, is conducting routine technical
and operational meetings to guide response actions. A
National Incident Action Plan has been developed to steer
the mpox response, and a public-private partnership
initiative is in place to mobilize support for response
efforts.

At the subnational level, coordination structures are in
place to support the operational response in affected
districts. Rapid response teams deployed in these
districts continue to actively conduct response activities.

Active surveillance for mpox is ongoing across the
affected districts. In Western Area Urban and Western
Area Rural, a mop-up exercise of the “Operation Find
Them All”, which was recently launched on 27 February
2025, is ongoing. There are plans to extend the enhanced
surveillance operation to the six other affected districts.
Detailed case investigations and contact tracing efforts
are also ongoing.

Laboratory testing for mpox confirmation continues
at public health laboratories, including the 34 Military
Hospital, the Central Public Health Reference Laboratory
(CPHRL), and the Jui P3 Laboratory. Genomic sequencing
to identify the circulating strain has also been performed.
WHO and its health partners, including the Global Alliance
for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), UNICEF, and the
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, have
delivered 58,300 doses of the Modified Vaccinia Ankara
- Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) mpox vaccine to support
the outbreak response. The national technical advisory
group on vaccines held a meeting to approve the use of
the vaccine in the country.

Additionally, WHO has already delivered over US$ 38000
worth of essential laboratory supplies and personal
protective equipment, including gloves, gowns, aprons,
face shields, biohazard waste bags, and infrared
thermometers. Supplies also included genomics
sequencing reagents, PCR kits for 400 tests, GeneXpert
cartridges for 50 tests, and genomic sequencing kits for
45 tests.

A total of 32 active cases have been admitted to hospital
isolation wards for clinical care, with one in critical
condition. There are 36 cases being managed through
home care. WHO has procured treatment kits for 20
inpatients and 180 outpatients and is providing technical
expertise to clinicians and other responders by assisting
in the development of case management guidelines and
training programs.

An infection prevention and control mentorship program
for mpox has been activated for healthcare workers in 18
health facilities in the Western Area Urban district.
There are also ongoing activities to raise community
awareness and combat misinformation through radio and
community outreaches in the Western Area Urban and Western Area Rural districts. Media monitoring and social listening activities
are being implemented to track rumours and infodemics. Mpox information education and communication materials are being
disseminated on various platforms.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The mpox outbreak in Sierra Leone remains concentrated in the capital Freetown, particularly Western Area Urban and
Rural districts, with most cases among young adults, students, and businesspeople. High mobility, social interactions,
and closed environments like schools, workplaces, and homes are driving the spread of the Clade IIb strain, known
for efficient human-to-human transmission. The recent case spike may be largely due to enhanced surveillance and
active case search, revealing the true extent of the outbreak. However, challenges persist, particularly in addressing
community perceptions and stigma, which may hinder timely reporting and response efforts. Discussions on vaccination
strategies for high-risk groups are ongoing, though no campaign has been launched yet. WHO continue to advice
Member States to enhance surveillance, including contact tracing and active case search to interrupt transmission
chains. Additionally, risk communication and community engagement remain essential in raising awareness, promoting
preventive health measures, and countering misinformation. These are critical for controlling the outbreaks of mpox.

https://www.afro.who.int/countries/angola/publication/outbreaks-and-emergencies-bulletin-week-12-17-23-march-2025

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Translation Google

Sierra Leone: Sharp rise in cases of mpox, more than 170 new cases in two days

News. Sierra Leone is facing a sharp increase in cases of mpox, with 177 new cases detected in just two days, according to health authorities.

Published on 04/27/2025 at 7:23 p.m. - By Africa Radio Editorial Staff / AFP

On Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, Sierra Leone 's public health teams recorded 177 new cases of COPD during targeted screening operations in the homes of people suspected of being infected, said Amanda Clemens, head of social mobilization for the vaccination campaign.

Since the beginning of the year, 763 cases have been reported, including six deaths and 282 recoveries, according to the National Public Health Agency.

A reinforced system in Freetown

The capital, Freetown, accounts for the majority of cases. In response to this health emergency, declared in January, four treatment centers have been opened since February. However, fear and misinformation continue to hamper the rapid treatment of patients.

"Some people were not tested early enough and may have unknowingly spread the virus," warned Sallu Lansana of the Ministry of Health's vaccination service.

A vaccination campaign is underway

In early April, the government launched a vaccination campaign after receiving 61,000 doses of vaccine from the World Health Organization (WHO). More than 1,000 people have already been vaccinated, mainly healthcare workers.

MPOX, a viral disease related to smallpox, causes high fevers and skin lesions. Long confined to Africa, it began to spread to the rest of the world in 2022, prompting the WHO to declare its highest alert level in 2024.

Sierra Leone , already affected by the Ebola epidemic ten years ago, remains extremely vigilant.

https://www.africaradio.com/actualite-109473-sierra-leone-forte-hausse-des-cas-de-mpox-plus-de-170-nouveaux-en-deux-jours

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National Public Health Agency's Post

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National Public Health Agency
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National Public Health Agency

22h ·

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National Public Health Agency

55m ·

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(Screenshots)

Special Briefing on Mpox and other Health Emergencies || May 8, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD0ENkZJBxI

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Health Minister Reveals Reason for Surge in Mpox Cases in Sierra Leone

by Sierra Leone Monitor 14 May 2025

Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has raised concerns over the escalating number of Monkeypox (MPox) cases in Sierra Leone, attributing the surge largely to public failure in adhering to health protocols and medical guidance.

Addressing Parliament on the latest status of the outbreak, Dr. Demby disclosed that over 2,100 cases have been recorded since January 2025, with 12 confirmed deaths, mostly among individuals with underlying health conditions. The Western Area has been identified as the hardest-hit region.

“The outbreak is worsening daily because people are not following the directives from healthcare professionals,” Dr. Demby told lawmakers. He emphasized the need for infected individuals to be relocated from their homes to specialized treatment centers to limit community transmission and ensure proper care.
...

https://www.sierraleonemonitor.com/minister-reveals-surge-mpox-cases/

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National Public Health Agency
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Sierra Leone Fights Mpox

18 May 2025
...

Sierra Leone is the latest addition to the Incident Management Support Team (IMST) list of the most mpox-hit nations. Skyrocketing cases are triggering concern across Africa.

Sierra Leone recorded its first case on January 10, 2025. Immediately after, Minister of Health Dr Austin Demby declared a Public Health Emergency, saying at the time the move was necessary to prevent the virus from further spreading.

During a recent online weekly media briefing, Dr Ngashi Ngongo, who leads Africa CDC’s mpox IMST, said cases are down in the main hotspots in the region’s outbreak countries, such as Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). “We’ve started now seeing also some light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

Sierra Leone reported a rising number of confirmed mpox cases, with over 200 new confirmed cases reported in April, highlighting the increased transmission in the country. In early May, it had half of Africa’s confirmed cases, with its outbreak expanding over the past six weeks and cases rising 71% last week compared to the week before. The country was averaging about 100 new cases a day, he said.

“Of great concern is that in just one week the number of notified cases has increased by 71 percent, and the number of confirmed cases has increased by 61 percent. That is to say that it is really an epidemic that is on the upward trend,” said Dr Ngongo. “We are still concerned about the exponential growth in Sierra Leone.”

Sixty-eight percent of patients are male, mostly 30 to 35 years old, said Dr Ngongo. Seven percent of the illnesses are in people who have HIV, a high-risk group seen in other African countries during the outbreak.

In April this year, IMST conducted a mission in Sierra Leone and found that the country’s health system was overstretched and overcrowded, with grossly inadequate bed capacity to accommodate more than 1,000 patients in mpox treatment facilities.

Dr Ngongo said the treatment centres in the country only had 60 mpox isolation beds and most of the patients were receiving home care, which makes it difficult to ensure compliance with isolation.

He said this was why about 800 active cases are currently being managed through home-based care. “But at the same time, there’s also a huge challenge related to the home-based care, that is, there’s very low isolation compliance. It’s very difficult to maintain people in their homes. They tend also, despite being isolated, to continue participating in social activities and then exposing more members of the community to the virus,” he said.

The assessment also revealed that surveillance in Sierra Leone is mostly passive surveillance. “That is why the positivity rate is far above 50 percent. It means that the people come when they are already very advanced. They come on their own to seek care, instead of being found through active surveillance that can pick them up early and shorten the exposure of the population,” said Dr Ngongo.

Though Sierra Leone has good mpox testing coverage and a good testing rate, it currently has a low contact-tracing ratio, said Dr Ngongo. Only fewer than one in every six confirmed cases has had the benefit of contact identification, and the genomic sequencing rate, which should be around 5 percent, is currently well below 1 percent. Close to 24,000 people have been vaccinated so far, and almost 60 percent of them are healthcare workers.

Since the start of last year, 24 mpox-affected African countries have reported 129,711 mpox cases. Of these, 29,609 were confirmed and about 1,751 related deaths were recorded.

The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) says all 16 districts in Sierra Leone are now affected by mpox. Authorities have expressed concern about the escalating cases, as well as the severity of the cases, especially in people living with HIV.

Sierra Leone is one of 10 countries that have received vaccine supplies with support from partners like Gavi, UNICEF, and the Africa CDC. However, with a population of 8 million people and just over 61,000 doses of the vaccine available, those at highest risk will be prioritised, officials say.

Beyond Sierra Leone, the vaccine shortage is a critical challenge that must be addressed. Africa CDC will continue advocating for increased vaccine availability in the short term, and for local manufacturing and strategic stockpiling in the medium to long term, as part of the legacy of this mpox outbreak.

https://africacdc.org/news-item/sierra-leone-fights-mpox/

[sharon sanders]

Africa CDC

@AfricaCDC
·
2h




#mpox cases are surging in Sierra Leone, making it the latest country added to
@AfricaCDC
’s Incident Management Support Team priority list. With over 200 confirmed cases in April alone and a 71% increase in one week, the outbreak is straining an already overwhelmed health system. Learn more: http://ow.ly/vrk950VVvnE
@mohs_sl
#AfricaResponds