Guinea-Bissau faces its first mpox outbreak. Although the seven confirmed cases as of 17 August involve adults, half of the 46 suspected cases are children under 15 years old, and health authorities fear that surveillance shortcomings may leave infections undetected.
Of the 46 cases under suspicion, 23 involve children under 15 years old. Of these, 16 are between zero and four years old, an age group facing greater risk of complications. The seven confirmed cases were detected since the outbreak was declared on 4 July: six in the Autonomous Sector of Bissau and one in the Biombo region. To date, no deaths have been recorded.
Sandra Martins, UNICEF Deputy Representative in the country, warned that the surveillance system remains "extremely fragile" and that there is a risk of cases going undetected, particularly among the most vulnerable children. Martins noted that "this is the first time mpox cases have been reported in Guinea-Bissau, which makes even a small outbreak an important public health event".
The authorities express concern about the fact that the confirmed cases do not appear to be related to one another, which could indicate undetected transmission chains. Significant shortcomings persist in identifying contacts, analysing samples and monitoring virus spread. The reopening of schools in September adds another concern about possible increased transmission among children.
UNICEF is working with the Ministry of Public Health, the World Health Organization and other partners to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing and prevention. The agency estimates that more than 150,000 dollars are needed for interventions considered essential in response to the outbreak. Martins stated that "with early detection, care and prevention, mpox can be managed and its spread can be reduced".
