Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – Health authorities in The Gambia have reported 71 suspected cases of Mpox, with one confirmed case, since launching an outbreak investigation on July 19, 2025. The Ministry of Health has activated its National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), raising its response to Level 2 as concerns about potential transmission grow.
According to the second national Mpox Situational Report released on July 25 by the Epidemiology and Disease Control (EDC) unit, 17 new suspected cases were detected in the most recent reporting period. However, laboratory testing later confirmed that all 17 were negative for the virus.
The lone confirmed case, identified on July 18, remains in isolation and is reportedly responding well to treatment.
Since the beginning of the outbreak, nine individuals have been admitted to isolation facilities, including one new admission in the most recent reporting period. So far, there have been no Mpox-related deaths in the country.Mpox situation
Health officials note that 53.5% of the suspected cases—38 of the 71—are male, with a median age of 12.8 years. The age of those affected spans from as young as three months to 65 years. The Ministry of Health has also identified five new close contacts who are currently under observation, bringing the total number of identified contacts to eleven.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry has implemented several key interventions aimed at containing the virus and preventing further transmission. The PHEOC is convening daily coordination meetings to provide updates and guide the national response.
A comprehensive Mpox Response Plan is now in effect, involving rapid response team deployments, the identification of isolation facilities, and the stockpiling of medical supplies. Efforts are also underway to enhance laboratory, surveillance, and case management capacity.
Surveillance has been ramped up across health facilities and communities, with signal detectors and frontline staff receiving refresher training and the necessary tools to detect and report cases. Cross-border collaboration has also been strengthened, particularly with neighboring Senegal, to bolster monitoring at points of entry.
The Ministry’s Directorate of Health Promotion and Education is leading intensified public awareness campaigns and has issued advisories to inform the population about Mpox prevention. In parallel, preparations are ongoing for a potential vaccine rollout, pending regulatory approvals and finalization of a vaccination strategy.
The outbreak has affected seven of the country’s regions, with the confirmed case reported in one of them. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific region of the confirmed case, but efforts continue nationwide to prevent further spread.
As the situation evolves, the Ministry of Health urges the public to remain vigilant and adhere to health advisories. The Gambia Journal will continue to follow developments and provide timely updates.
