Guinea-Bissau Reports First Mpox Outbreak

Guinea-Bissau is experiencing its first mpox outbreak, with half of all suspected cases affecting children, UNICEF said on Thursday.

Sandra Martins, UNICEF’s deputy representative in Guinea-Bissau, emphasized the gravity of the situation in a statement. She explained that because the disease has no history in the country, even a few infections represent a significant public health event. She also cautioned about the threat of undetected transmission, particularly among children, who face the greatest danger of developing severe complications.

Martins emphasized: “This is the first time mpox cases have been reported in Guinea-Bissau, making even a small outbreak a major public health event.” Addressing the potential for hidden spread, she added, “We face the risk that cases are going undetected, particularly among children who are the most vulnerable to severe complications.”

As of August 17, official figures show seven confirmed cases of mpox in Guinea-Bissau, all of whom are all adults, with no reported deaths. However, out of 46 suspected cases, 23 involve children under the age of 15. UNICEF cautioned that the scheduled return to school next month could speed up the spread of the virus.

The disease was first documented in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mpox is triggered by a virus from the smallpox family. It can be transmitted to humans from animals and between people via close physical contact. Symptoms include fever, body aches, and distinct, boil-like skin lesions, and the illness can be fatal.

SOURCE: AFP