A suspected Mpox case was reported in Kono District, Sierra Leone, on August 20, 2024. The District Surveillance Office received a notification, prompting a swift response from the health team. A Rapid Response Team (RRT) was dispatched to investigate the case, collect samples, and contain the potential outbreak.
The patient, a 32-year-old man from Makong Village, Tonkolili District, presented with symptoms consistent with Mpox. Despite efforts to evacuate the patient to the Koidu Government Hospital Isolation Unit, he tragically passed away. The RRT continued their work, collecting samples and shipping them for further analysis.
According to a press release from the Ministry of health, the laboratory test results have now been received, and they revealed a NEGATIVE result for the Mpox virus. Despite the negative result, the signs and symptoms exhibited by the patient, who is now deceased, were very profound for a pox-like virus. The release also stated that health Authorities will continue to investigate and test for other possible causes.
The release further called on the public to remain vigilant, “follow basic hygiene protocols, and report any unusual symptoms to the nearest health facility”. We will continue to provide timely updates on this situation as more information becomes available.
