By: Juliana Vandy, Strategic Communications Adviser, Stratcom—MoICE
During the weekly government press briefing on May 13, 2025, at the Miatta Conference Centre, Brookfields, Freetown, the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, provided critical updates on the MPOX outbreak in Sierra Leone.
He said that since the country recorded its first case in January 2025, the government has declared a public health emergency to facilitate necessary actions to contain the spread.
Dr. Demby disclosed that MPox is primarily transmitted through direct body contact. He outlined several signs and symptoms of the virus, including body and facial rashes. He warned that fluids from these rashes harbour germs, which can be transmitted through contact with an infected person’s bedding, handshakes, hugs, and other forms of physical interaction.
The minister urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of MPox to allow for prompt intervention. He encouraged individuals who experience any rashes or suspect the infection to contact the emergency 117 line or visit the nearest health facility to seek early treatment and prevent further transmission. Dr. Demby reiterated the importance of self-isolation for anyone who suspects they may be infected with MPox.
Additionally, he entreated the public to adopt essential health practices, such as frequent hand-washing, using alcohol-based hand sanitiser, and adhering to the Avoiding Body Contact (ABC) guidelines, as hands are significant carriers of the virus.
Dr. Demby explained that while the vaccine provided for MPox does not eliminate the virus, it addresses secondary bacterial infections that can facilitate the virus’s spread within the body. He noted that these medications help prevent other illnesses, such as malaria and typhoid, from complicating the patient’s condition.
“I appeal to the public to report any suspected cases of MPox to the nearest health facility for early treatment and to follow the treatment prescribed by health professionals for a swift recovery,” he emphasised.
Regarding the current outbreak, Dr. Demby reported that Sierra Leone has recorded over 2,000 cases in approximately four and a half months, with over 1,200 cases in the Western Area alone. Every district has reported at least one case, raising significant concerns.
Dr. Demby highlighted that recent findings suggest many infected individuals do not comply with infection control measures when sent home for recovery. In response, he went on, the ministry has changed its approach by admitting patients to separate facilities specifically for MPox treatment. He said they have established special health facilities with 400 beds at the Hastings facility and 100-bed facilities in Calaba Town and Port Loko. He added that they are maintaining isolation units at the 34 Military Hospital and other major hospitals across the country.
He noted that from the total of over 2,000 cases, there have only been 11 deaths, all of which involved individuals with pre-existing health issues. “This translates to a death rate of less than 0.05%, lower than the 90-95% fatality rate experienced during the Ebola outbreak,” he concluded.
