Mpox: Children account for half of suspected cases in Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau is facing its first-ever outbreak of mpox, with children under four accounting for a significant portion of the suspected cases. UNICEF has warned that surveillance gaps and the upcoming school year could complicate containment efforts.
Why it matters
The emergence of mpox in a new region, particularly affecting vulnerable children, poses a significant public health challenge that requires urgent intervention.
Children, who are particularly vulnerable to the disease, account for half of the 46 suspected mpox cases identified in Guinea-Bissau – with 16 of them under the age of four.
The seemingly minor outbreak represents a “major public health event” according to UN Children’s Fund UNICEF , as this is the first time mpox cases have been reported in the West African country.
Mpox is an infectious disease belonging to the same virus family as smallpox. Symptoms typically include a distinct rash, alongside fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and fatigue.
The outbreak was declared on 4 July. Seven adult cases have been confirmed so far, according to the Government, as of Tuesday, with no fatalities reported.
Symptoms of mpox tend to go away on their own and rarely lead to death , but newborns and children are more at risk of developing severe cases of the disease.
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