32-Year-Old Man Dies in Kono from Suspected Mpox Infection

August 21, 2024

A suspected case of Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, has emerged in Kono District, alarming local health authorities. The victim, a 32-year-old man from Makong Village in Tonkolili District, died shortly after being admitted to the isolation unit at Koidu Government Hospital.

The case was reported to the Kono District Surveillance Office by Dr. Aliyu of Dorma Wellbodi Clinic at around 12:45 PM. In response, the District Medical Officer quickly activated the Rapid Response Team, comprising clinicians, laboratory technicians, and the District Surveillance Officer, to investigate.

Upon their arrival at Dorma Wellbodi Clinic, the team found the patient suffering from severe symptoms typical of Mpox, such as fever, widespread rash, pus-filled blisters, muscle pain, headache, joint pain, and extreme weakness. His symptoms first appeared on August 12, 2024, after returning from his farm. Despite receiving initial treatment at local health centers, his condition worsened, leading to his transfer to the clinic.

The patient, known for hunting rodents—one of the main risk factors for Mpox—had not traveled outside his community recently, suggesting local transmission. The Rapid Response Team collected a sample for laboratory testing before moving the patient to the isolation unit at Koidu Government Hospital. Sadly, he passed away at approximately 4:30 PM, despite efforts to save him.