More than 1,100 cases of MPOX identified in Sierra Leone and nine deaths, according to the authorities

The capital Freetown has the largest number of cases of MPOX detected, with 838 infected people.

The number of MPOX cases identified in Sierra Leone has reached 1,140 for nine deaths since the start of the year in this West African country, according to a new assessment of the Ministry of Health, Thursday, May 1. A previous assessment of health authorities published the last week of April reported six dead and 763 cases identified in the country. The capital, Freetown, has the largest number of MPOX detected cases, with 838 infected people.

The number of MPOX cases has increased in recent weeks in Sierra Leone, who declared the health emergency in January as soon as the first two cases detect, to fight this potentially fatal viral disease.

The country has launched a vaccination campaign against the disease – for children from 12 years old, people at risk and particularly exposed health personnel – in early April after receiving 61,300 doses provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).