Sierra Leone has declared a state of emergency following the confirmation of two cases of mpox, also known as monkeypox, within a span of four days. This significant health measure was announced by Health Minister Austin Demby in Freetown, as the cases were marked by a troubling lack of known contact with infected animals or individuals.

The first known case emerged after travel to the airport town of Lungi from December 26 to January 6. Subsequently, a 21-year-old man exhibited symptoms leading to the confirmation of the second case. Both patients are receiving treatment in the capital, emphasizing a healthcare system that has drawn from past experiences with Ebola and COVID-19 to handle such crises effectively.

In response to this emerging outbreak, Minister Demby stressed the urgent need for resources and immediate action to curb the disease's spread. “The confirmation of two cases has prompted immediate action as mandated by the Public Health Act,” he stated, revealing plans for increased border surveillance and a nationwide awareness campaign. Official sources have advised the public to remain calm and report any suspected cases to healthcare authorities.

Mpox, first identified in 1958, historically affected people in Central and West Africa through close contact with infected animals. However, recent outbreaks have escalated due to the virus’s transmission via sexual contact, leading to a global health focus with over 70 countries reporting cases in 2022 alone. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen the most significant impact, indicating the broader regional ramifications of mpox outbreaks.

This recent trend echoes Sierra Leone's past challenges, as the nation was significantly affected during the 2014 Ebola outbreak, which left a lasting impact on its healthcare workforce and necessitated ongoing vigilance against such health threats. As the country mobilizes to combat this latest challenge, the relevant authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Read more on the unfolding health emergency at Al Jazeera.