The Ministry of Health of The Gambia has confirmed the country’s first case of Mpox, detected on July 18, 2025, through its routine surveillance system, prompting an immediate public health response. The announcement, made in a press release on July 22, 2025, follows the declaration by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in August 2024, which classified Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security and International Concern due to a surge in cases across Africa.
The confirmed case, identified in a country where Mpox was not previously circulating, marks an outbreak requiring swift action, according to the Ministry. The patient is reported to be stable, responding to treatment, and under close monitoring. Authorities have initiated a sequencing process to determine the virus subtype and are implementing measures to contain the outbreak, including active case searches, contact tracing, and community engagement. The Ministry emphasized that there is no cause for alarm, as health workers are trained and equipped to manage the situation.
Mpox, a viral disease, spreads through close contact with an infected person or contaminated objects, such as bedding, clothing, or surfaces. Transmission can occur through skin-to-skin contact, exposure to saliva, respiratory secretions, bodily fluids, or lesions, as well as from mother to fetus. Symptoms include rashes, fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin. Rashes often appear as blisters or sores on the face, palms, soles, groin, or genital areas.
The Ministry of Health has issued clear guidelines for the public to follow if Mpox is suspected. Individuals experiencing symptoms are advised to visit the nearest health center immediately for evaluation, as early detection is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing the spread of the disease. Individuals with suspected cases should self-isolate to prevent the spread of the virus and notify health workers about potential cases in their communities. The public is also encouraged to follow the advice of health workers strictly.
To bolster preparedness, the Ministry has enhanced surveillance at community levels, health facilities, and points of entry, while increasing testing capacity in collaboration with partners. A toll-free hotline, 1025, has been provided for those seeking information or assistance. The Ministry expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation during past outbreak responses and called for continued support to curb the spread of Mpox.
Health officials are closely monitoring the situation and have pledged to provide regular updates. The detection of this single case underscores the importance of vigilance, as Mpox’s ability to spread through close contact and contaminated surfaces poses a risk in communities. The Ministry’s proactive measures aim to prevent a broader outbreak, leveraging lessons from previous public health campaigns in The Gambia.
The global context of Mpox has heightened concerns, with declarations from the Africa CDC and WHO reflecting the disease’s growing threat across the continent. The Gambia’s response aligns with regional efforts to strengthen surveillance and response systems. Health workers’ training and community engagement are central to the strategy, ensuring that suspected cases are quickly identified and managed.
As The Gambia navigates this public health challenge, the Ministry’s message is one of reassurance and action. By combining robust surveillance, public cooperation, and clear communication, authorities aim to contain the outbreak swiftly. The public is urged to remain calm but vigilant, report any symptoms promptly, and support health workers’ efforts to contain the virus. For now, the focus remains on preventing further spread while ensuring the affected individual receives appropriate care.
For further information or to report concerns, the public can contact the Ministry of Health’s toll-free number, 1025.
