The Ministry of Health in The Gambia has confirmed that there are currently no cases of Mpox in the country, as all suspected cases have tested negative.
Michael Manga Mendy, Director of Health Promotion and Education RCCE at the Ministry, stated, “As of August 30, 2024, no cases of Mpox have been detected in The Gambia. All suspected cases have tested negative.”
The ministry reported nine suspected cases from the Western and Upper River Regions, involving five males and four females, with a median age of 1 to 58 years. While the nine samples tested negative for the Mpox virus, three patients remain hospitalized and are in stable condition.
Additionally, the Situation Report indicates that The Gambia is developing a Mpox preparedness and response plan. All suspected cases will be monitored for 21 days, and a simulation exercise is planned to assess the country’s readiness to handle potential Mpox cases.
“Our public health system remains vigilant, with enhanced surveillance and response mechanisms in place to promptly detect and manage any potential cases,” Mendy added.
The World Health Organization declared the Mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, 2024. Originally identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mpox has since spread to a growing number of countries across Africa.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Six-Year-Old ‘Seren Price’ Climbs Mount Toubkal to Raise Funds for Hospital