Epidemiological Characteristics of mpox Cases in Sierra Leone

Authors

  • Abdulai Alpha Jalloh Directorate of Planning, Police and Research, National Public Health Agency, Free town, Sierra Leone
  • Mohamed Boie Jalloh Directorate of Planning, Police and Research, National Public Health Agency, Free town, Sierra Leone
  • Ibrahim Kamara Directorate of Planning, Police and Research, National Public Health Agency, Free town, Sierra Leone
  • Fatmata Sawaneh Directorate of Planning, Policy and Research, National Public Health Agency, Free town, Sierra Leone
  • Mustapha Jalloh Directorate of Surveillance and Epidemiology, National Public Health Agency, Free town Sierra Leone
  • Patrick Lansana Department of Biomedical and Laboratory, National Public Health Agency, Free Town, Sierra Leone
  • James Amal Myers Khobi Directorate of Planning, Policy and Research, National Public Health Agency, Free town, Sierra Leone
  • Tamba Brima Ndanema Directorate of Planning, Policy and Research, National Public Health Agency, Free town, Sierra Leone
  • Amos Manin Boima Directorate of Planning, Policy and Research, National Public Health Agency, Free town, Sierra Leone
  • Alhaji Umar N'jai University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone and Koinadugu College, Kabala, Sierra Leone, and California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, California
  • James Sylvester Squire Directorate of Surveillance and Epidemiology, National Public Health Agency, Free town Sierra Leone

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314.3.3

Abstract

Background

Mpox remains a public health concern in Sierra Leone, with changing epidemiological patterns observed during recent outbreaks. Understanding the distribution of cases by person, place, and time is essential for guiding surveillance and response strategies.

Methods
A retrospective case-based analysis was conducted using data from laboratory-confirmed mpox cases reported during the 2025 outbreak in Sierra Leone. Data were obtained from the national surveillance system (DHIS2) and supplemented with field-collected data. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics, geographic distribution, and temporal trends.

Results
A total of 201 confirmed mpox cases were included in the analysis. Among cases with available age data, individuals aged 16–30 years accounted for 40% (80/199), followed by those aged 31–45 years (31%, 61/199). Children under 15 years represented approximately 10% of cases. The sex distribution was nearly equal, with females accounting for 51% (103/201) and males 49% (98/201). Cases were concentrated in urban districts, with Western Area Urban accounting for 45% (92/201) and Western Area Rural 20% (38/201). The epidemic curve showed an increase in cases beginning in April, peaking between late May and early June, followed by a gradual decline.

Conclusion
Mpox cases in Sierra Leone during the 2025 outbreak were predominantly concentrated among young adults and urban populations, with patterns consistent with community-based transmission. These findings highlight the importance of targeted surveillance and response strategies focusing on high-risk populations and urban settings.

Keywords: Epidemiology, mpox, outbreak, Sierra Leone

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Published

2026-06-12

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 3 (2026): May 2026

Section

Original Articles

License

Submission of manuscripts to the Sierra Leone Journal of Biomedical Research is of the understanding that the article either in part or whole is not under consideration for publication in any other Journal. Accepted papers become the permanent property of Sierra Leone Journal of Biomedical Research but unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium is permitted, provided the original work is properly cited.