Mpox epidemic in Guinea-Bissau sees children make up over half of cases

An outbreak of mpox in Guinea-Bissau is disproportionately affecting children, with more than half of the reported cases involving minors. Local authorities confirmed that out of 46 suspected and seven confirmed cases since the epidemic was declared on July 4, a significant number have been children.

Specifically, 16 of the affected children are under the age of four, highlighting the vulnerability of the youngest population to the virus. The first confirmed case in the West African country was a 27-year-old woman, identified just over a week before the national outbreak was announced.

Health officials are concerned that the virus might be circulating undetected within the population. The high number of pediatric cases raises particular alarm, suggesting a potential need for targeted public health interventions. The spread of mpox in Guinea-Bissau underscores ongoing public health challenges in the region.