Guinea-Bissau Reports First Mpox Outbreak As Children Face Growing Risk

Guinea-Bissau has recorded its first mpox outbreak, with seven confirmed cases reported among adults as of August 17. UNICEF is particularly concerned about children, as 23 of 46 suspected cases are under 15. The agency warned that school reopening next month could increase transmission, although no deaths have been reported so far.

Guinea-Bissau is facing its first recorded outbreak of mpox, with the United Nations children's agency UNICEF warning that children could be particularly vulnerable to the disease.
The country had confirmed seven mpox cases as of August 17, all involving adults. No deaths have been reported.
However, UNICEF said the number of suspected cases was raising concern, with 23 of 46 suspected cases involving children under the age of 15.

UNICEF WARNS OF UNDETECTED CASES
UNICEF Deputy

Representative in Guinea-Bissau, Sandra Martins, said the country's first reported cases represented a significant public health development, even though the number of confirmed infections remained relatively small.
She warned that some cases could be going undetected, particularly among children who may face a greater risk of complications from the disease.
Health authorities are expected to continue testing and monitoring suspected cases as they work to determine the extent of the outbreak.

SCHOOL REOPENING RAISES CONCERNS

UNICEF also warned that the reopening of schools next month could contribute to the spread of mpox.
With almost half of the suspected cases involving children, health officials are expected to pay particular attention to schools and other settings where children have close contact with one another.
Early detection, public awareness and appropriate health measures could be important in limiting further transmission.
WHAT IS MPOX?
Mpox is a viral disease caused by a virus belonging to the same family as the virus that causes smallpox.
It can spread from animals to humans and can also be transmitted between people through close physical contact.
Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches and distinctive skin lesions or rashes. In some cases, the disease can cause serious complications and may be fatal.
The virus was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

AFRICA CONTINUES TO MONITOR THE DISEASE

The outbreak in Guinea-Bissau comes despite progress in Africa's response to mpox.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention announced in January that the continent was no longer experiencing a public health emergency over mpox, although it stressed that the disease remains endemic in several areas.
The emergence of cases in Guinea-Bissau therefore highlights the continued need for surveillance and rapid response to new infections.

HEALTH AUTHORITIES FACE A NEW CHALLENGE

For Guinea-Bissau, the outbreak presents a new public health challenge as authorities work to identify possible chains of transmission and prevent the disease from spreading further.
UNICEF has urged continued vigilance, particularly among children, as the country prepares for the reopening of schools.
With no deaths reported so far, health officials have an opportunity to contain the outbreak early through testing, monitoring, public education and prompt medical care.