The Gambia has declared an outbreak of mpox following the confirmation of its first case, raising regional health concerns as West African nations report a rise in infections.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Ministry of Health disclosed that the virus was detected on Friday through its routine disease surveillance efforts. Although only one case has been confirmed so far, officials emphasized that any mpox case in a country without current transmission is classified as an outbreak requiring immediate public health action.
Health authorities have since initiated aggressive contact tracing, case investigation, and public engagement campaigns to prevent further spread. Genetic sequencing is ongoing to determine whether the detected virus belongs to clade 1 or clade 2—the two known variants of the mpox virus.
Mpox, a zoonotic disease related to smallpox, can spread to humans through contact with infected animals or via close physical contact with an infected person. The virus typically causes symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and large skin lesions. Though generally self-limiting, severe cases can be fatal.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reiterated that mpox remains a global health emergency, particularly due to increasing transmission rates across several West African countries.
Recent figures reflect a broader regional crisis: Sierra Leone reported 3,350 cases and 16 deaths between January and late May. In June, Liberia confirmed 71 active cases, while Guinea’s cumulative total since September has surpassed 200. WHO data also shows thousands of confirmed cases this year in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Burundi.
The Gambia’s Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with health workers, stressing that timely detection and community engagement are vital to preventing a wider outbreak.