Children make up half of mpox cases in Guinea-Bissau as epidemic spreads
Summary
Guinea-Bissau declared an mpox outbreak on July 4, with more than half of the cases occurring in children. Health officials warn the disease may be spreading unnoticed due to weak health systems, and efforts are underway to increase public awareness and strengthen disease monitoring.Key Facts
- Guinea-Bissau announced an mpox outbreak less than two months after the first confirmed case.
- There are 7 confirmed and 46 suspected mpox cases reported so far.
- Around half of the affected patients are children, including 16 under four years old.
- Mpox spreads through close contact and has caused over 2,000 deaths in Africa this year.
- Most cases are in the capital region, Bissau, with one case nearby in Biombo.
- No deaths from mpox have been reported in Guinea-Bissau to date.
- Health experts emphasize the need for better surveillance and stronger frontline health services.
- Community workers are conducting door-to-door education campaigns to inform the public.
- The country is also facing challenges like poor infrastructure and political instability following a suspended presidential election.
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