Half of Guinea-Bissau mpox cases are children as outbreak spreads

Guinea-Bissau mpox cases have surged since the national outbreak was declared on 4 July, with ↓ 46 suspected infections and seven laboratory‑confirmed instances.

Guinea-Bissau mpox cases: children account for half

Health officials say that 23 of the suspected patients are minors, including ↓ 16 under the age of four. The first laboratory‑confirmed infection, a 27‑year‑old woman, was reported just a week before the declaration, sparking concern that the virus is spreading unnoticed, reminiscent of the earlier pandemic patterns.

“The pediatric burden is alarming and demands urgent vaccination and surveillance,” warned Dr. Amadu Sarr, Guinea‑Bissau’s chief epidemiologist.

International monitors note that the situation mirrors trends reported by Reuters and AP News, which have flagged a rise in child infections across West Africa. Authorities are accelerating contact tracing and urging communities to report symptoms promptly.