The Gambia reported an outbreak of mpox on Tuesday, with the detection of a single case, as several nearby countries have recorded recent increases in infections
Mpox remains an international health emergency, the World Health Organisation’s director said last month, amid a rise in West Africa.
“A case of mpox has been detected in the country through the routine surveillance system”, The Gambia’s Ministry of Health said in a statement, adding that the disease was detected on Friday.
“The detection of a single case in a country where mpox is not presently in circulation constitutes an outbreak, requiring immediate response,” it said.
The ministry said it was actively looking for cases, carrying out contact tracing and community engagement to prevent the disease’s spread.
Mpox is caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox. It can be transmitted to humans by infected animals but can also be passed between people through close physical contact.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
