Esther Salifu
The Gambia has confirmed its first mpox case, raising concerns as West Africa experiences a significant rise in infections.
The Gambia’s Ministry of Health announced the detection of a single mpox case through routine surveillance on Friday. While only one case has been identified, health officials emphasize the need for immediate action to prevent further spread.
“The detection of a single case in a country where mpox is not presently in circulation constitutes an outbreak, requiring immediate response,” the ministry stated.
Efforts are underway to trace contacts, engage communities, and enhance surveillance. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to classify mpox as an international health emergency, noting a surge in cases across West Africa.
Mpox, caused by a virus related to smallpox, can be transmitted from animals to humans and between humans through close contact. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and skin lesions. The disease has two subtypes, clade 1 and clade 2, with sequencing underway in The Gambia to determine the specific strain.
Neighboring countries have reported increases in mpox cases: Sierra Leone has recorded over 3,000 cases with 16 deaths, Liberia has 71 active cases, and Guinea has reported more than 200 cases since last September.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the urgency “A coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives.”
As The Gambia addresses its first mpox case, regional health authorities stress the importance of vigilance, rapid response, and international cooperation to contain the virus’s spread.
