Ministry of Health Announces One Case of Mpox, Urges Public to Remain Calm

HealthMinistry of HealthPress ReleaseOutbreak
Written By Askanwi Gambia

Public Health Advisory: Mpox – Self-Isolation and Hotline Guidance for Suspected Cases

Issued by the Ministry of Health, The Gambia on 25th July 2025

The Ministry of Health wishes to update the general public on the current Mpox situation in The Gambia and to emphasise the importance of heightened vigilance and responsible public health practices in response to confirmed and suspected cases.

A positive Mpox case was reported in The Gambia on Monday, 21st July 2025. The patient was a 26-year-old Gambian female who resides within the Western I Health Region.

She visited Faji-kunda Major Health Centre on 10th July 2025, two days after the onset of symptoms. The patient manifested the following symptoms:

  • Generalized rashes

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • General body pain

  • Swollen lymph nodes

Mpox Flyer from the Ministry of Health

Samples were collected and analysed at the National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL), Institute De Pasteur Dakar (IPD) and Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRCG at LSHTM). The test results returned positive for the Mpox virus on 18 July 2025. The virus is similar to the virus circulating in Sierra Leone.

The Mpox situation update from 10th July 2025 - 25th July 2025 shows the following:

  • Confirmed cases: 1

  • Suspected cases under investigation: 17

  • Laboratory confirmations: 0

    • Positive: 1

    • Negative: 16

Mpox is a communicable viral illness that spreads through close physical contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated surfaces and materials. Common carly symptoms include fever, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and fatigue.

The Ministry urges individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of Mpox to immediately:

1. Self-isolate at home.

2. Contact the Toll-Free National Hotline at 1025 for guidance and support to visit the nearest health facility.

Protecting yourself from Mpox Flyer

Timely reporting and cooperation with health authorities are critical to preventing further transmission. To contain the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Health has activated its Rapid Response Teams to promptly investigate suspected cases, facilitate timely laboratory testing, and provide clinical management while minimising the risk of community transmission.

The Ministry of Health calls on all citizens to remain calm, rely only on verified information, and adhere strictly to official public health directives. Community cooperation is essential to prevent further spread of Mpox and to safeguard public health.

For verified updates and detailed information, please contact Mr. Michael Manga Mendy (+2207935831) and Mr. Lamin Manneh (+2205332873).

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Ministry of Health Issues Presser on Mpox Outbreak in The Gambia