Sierra Leone Reports First Mpox Cases as DRC Accelerates Vaccine Drive Amid Rising Outbreaks
Sierra Leone Reports First Mpox Cases as DRC Accelerates Vaccine Drive Amid Rising Outbreaks
Sierra Leone has confirmed its first cases of mpox, marking a new chapter in the country’s public health challenges. Two infections were reported in the Western Area Urban and Western Area Rural districts on Jan. 10, with no known travel history linked to the cases. Health authorities are monitoring 25 contacts as part of containment efforts, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The announcement comes amid a surge in mpox cases across Africa, with the continent recording 77,888 cases over the past year, including 16,767 confirmed infections in 21 countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the epicenter, accounting for 85% of confirmed cases and 99% of deaths. The death toll in 2024 has reached 1,321, with a case fatality rate of 1.8%, driven largely by the emergence of the more severe Clade 1b virus.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, described the situation as a major public health emergency. “We are seeing a sharp increase in cases compared to 2023, and this remains a significant threat to public health in Africa,” Kaseya said during a press briefing. He emphasized the need for stronger containment efforts, citing gaps in testing, vaccination rollout, and community-level health interventions.
DRC Shifts to Community-Based Vaccination Strategy
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The DRC has faced criticism for its sluggish vaccine rollout, with only 55,000 doses administered out of 365,000 received as of early December. However, Kaseya highlighted recent progress, noting that over 120,000 additional doses have been administered in the past month alone. The country is now shifting from a contact-based vaccination approach to a community-based strategy, targeting entire high-risk areas to accelerate immunization efforts.
“This shift makes it much easier to deploy vaccinations rapidly,” Kaseya explained. Africa CDC has also deployed 80 epidemiologists and 2,400 community health workers to hotspot regions, including the DRC, Uganda, and Burundi, to strengthen surveillance and case management.
In a significant development, Africa CDC has secured Japan’s LC16 vaccine, which is approved for children and will be deployed in the DRC starting February. Unlike the Bavarian Nordic MVA-BN vaccine, LC16 requires an intradermal (ID) injection, a technique that has fallen out of common use in recent decades. Health workers will need training to administer the vaccine effectively, but the method offers advantages, including smaller dose requirements.
Mpox Spreads Beyond Africa
The outbreak of Clade 1b mpox has also spread beyond Africa, with China becoming the ninth country outside the continent to report a case. On Jan. 9, Chinese health authorities confirmed an infection linked to a traveler returning from Africa. This follows similar cases reported in Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
“This is an opportunity for global collaboration,” Kaseya said. “We need solidarity in responding to emerging health threats.”
The deadly Clade 1b virus prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a second global health emergency in August 2024, highlighting its severe impact and potential for widespread transmission.
Rwanda’s Marburg Response Offers Lessons
While mpox continues to challenge Africa’s health systems, Rwanda has been commended for its swift and effective response to a Marburg virus outbreak in September 2024. Prof. Claude Muvunyi, Director-General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, outlined the country’s coordinated efforts during the launch of WHO’s 2025 Health Emergency Appeal for $1.5 billion.
“From the very start, the government activated its emergency response mechanism, prioritizing the health and safety of our people,” Muvunyi said. Rwanda deployed specialized teams for case detection, contact tracing, and patient isolation, supported by WHO’s technical expertise, laboratory test kits, and personal protective equipment.
The collaboration resulted in one of the lowest recorded fatality rates for a Marburg outbreak, underscoring the importance of early detection, regional cooperation, and sustained global health investments. “Outbreaks do not happen in isolation,” Muvunyi emphasized. “Without timely interventions and predictable funding, the next emergency could be just around the corner.”
Tanzania Monitors Suspected Marburg Cases
As Rwanda celebrates its success, Tanzania is grappling with a suspected Marburg outbreak. The first suspected case, a 27-year-old pregnant woman, died on Dec. 16, followed by a health worker on Dec. 27. Nine suspected cases and eight deaths have been reported, though five samples tested negative for the virus. Africa CDC is closely monitoring the situation, with WHO deploying experts to the Kagera region to support the investigation.
Intensifying the Fight Against Mpox
Looking ahead, Africa CDC is ramping up its response to mpox, focusing on expanding laboratory capacity, strengthening testing, and deploying rapid-response teams to contain the spread. “From now until March, we are intensifying efforts in hotspots, expanding vaccination, and ensuring that public health systems are resilient enough to manage this outbreak,” Kaseya said.
As Africa faces the dual challenges of mpox and Marburg, the continent’s health leaders are calling for global solidarity and sustained investment in health security to prevent future crises.
A Public health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in late 2023, underscoring the urgency of coordinated global action. As mpox continues to spread both within and beyond Africa, the situation demands a multifaceted response that combines robust surveillance, rapid vaccine deployment, and community engagement to curb transmission and prevent further fatalities.
Sierra leone’s first reported cases highlight the virus’s expanding reach and the need for heightened vigilance across the continent. simultaneously occurring, the DRC’s shift to a community-based vaccination strategy represents a critical step forward in addressing the outbreak’s epicenter.Though, challenges remain, including the need for expanded testing, improved healthcare infrastructure, and sustained international support to ensure equitable access to vaccines and resources.
The global community must heed the call for solidarity, as mpox’s emergence in non-endemic regions underscores the interconnected nature of public health threats. By prioritizing collaboration, innovation, and investment in health systems, the world can mitigate the impact of mpox and strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks. The stakes are high, but with concerted effort, the tide can be turned against this growing crisis.
Conclusion
The emergence of mpox in Sierra Leone and the escalating outbreaks across africa underscore the urgent need for robust, coordinated public health responses.With the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the epicenter of the crisis, the shift to a community-based vaccination strategy marks a critical step forward in curbing the spread of the deadly Clade 1b virus. However, challenges remain, including the need for expanded testing, vaccine accessibility, and trained healthcare workers to administer new vaccines like Japan’s LC16.
The global spread of mpox, as evidenced by cases in China and other countries, highlights the interconnected nature of infectious diseases and the importance of international solidarity in addressing emerging health threats. Rwanda’s accomplished containment of the marburg virus offers valuable lessons in rapid response, early detection, and cross-border collaboration—principles that must be applied to the ongoing mpox crisis.
As Tanzania monitors suspected Marburg cases and Africa CDC intensifies its efforts, the continent’s ability to combat these outbreaks will depend on sustained investments in health systems, equitable vaccine distribution, and global partnerships. The stakes are high,and the time to act is now. Without decisive action, the next outbreak could be even more devastating. The fight against mpox and other infectious diseases is not just a regional challenge—it is a global imperative.