Bissau, Guinea — Bissau – July 24, 2026 – The Ministry of Public Health in Guinea-Bissau has announced the country’s first mpox outbreak, with three confirmed cases as of July 20, 2026.
The outbreak, which emerged on July 4, is currently under the scrutiny of both national and international health organizations.
The mpox outbreak in Guinea — Bissau is a concerning development, marking the first occurrence of the disease in the country. Transmission primarily occurs through close contact with infected animals or people, and symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a rash.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been actively involved in the response efforts.
A flash update from UNICEF indicates that there are 26 contacts under active follow-up, and to date, no deaths have been reported.
The delay in symptom onset and the absence of clear epidemiological links suggest that undetected transmission is likely ongoing.
The strain of the virus has not been officially identified; however, the West African Clade II virus is the anticipated cause, given its endemicity in the region. Finalizing the 42-day action plan is critical for early containment of the outbreak. While the response is underway, several questions remain, including the specific measures being taken to control the spread and the status of vaccinations and their availability.
Health authorities and international organizations are working to understand the mpox situation in Guinea — Bissau in comparison to outbreaks in other countries, which will inform targeted response strategies.
As the situation unfolds, vigilance and cooperation among health authorities, local communities, and international partners will be crucial in managing the mpox outbreak in Guinea — Bissau.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: UN Children's Fund
