Senegal has reported its first case of mpox in 2025, detected in a foreign national who arrived in the country the previous week.
Patient’s Health Status
Health authorities report that the patient is in a stable clinical condition, placed in isolation, and receiving the necessary care.
Contact Tracing and Monitoring
At this time, no other cases have been detected. Authorities have initiated follow-up for 25 individuals identified as close contacts.
Characteristics of the Mpox Virus
Monkeypox (mpox) is a generally mild viral infection, although severe forms can occur in rare cases. It is primarily transmitted through close contact, including:
Direct contact with skin lesions;
Exchange of respiratory droplets;
Contaminated objects.
Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and pustular skin lesions.
Global Context and Health Alert
In August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) once again declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, in connection with an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its spread to neighboring countries.
The case reported in Senegal falls within a context of heightened vigilance in West Africa, where health systems are fragile and cross-border movements are frequent.
Why Is This Detection Concerning?
1. Risk of Regional Spread
Since the patient is a foreign national, this highlights the importance of entry screening to prevent local dissemination.
2. Responsiveness of Senegalese Health Authorities
Rapid isolation of the patient and contact tracing demonstrate good response capacity.
3. Need for Sustained Surveillance
Monitoring the 25 contacts is crucial to control the situation and detect any potential new infections.
Outlook and Recommendations
For Senegalese and Local Authorities
Maintain active surveillance of contacts during the incubation period (usually 5 to 21 days).
Strengthen the capacity of health facilities for case management (diagnosis, isolation, treatment).
Inform the public about modes of transmission and symptoms of mpox to encourage rapid identification of potential cases.
For Travelers and International Stakeholders
Adapt screening measures at points of entry according to the regional situation.
Encourage cross-border cooperation to share epidemiological data.
Senegal is facing its first confirmed case of mpox in 2025, with the patient isolated and stable, and about 25 contacts under monitoring. While the situation is currently contained, vigilance remains essential, particularly in West Africa, where health systems are often under pressure.
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Lusaka — African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health services to address the growing burden of severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those affecting women and underserved populations across the region. At a high-level side event during the Seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, delegates emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation across the continuum of care for NCDs. Disparities are especially pronounced in rural areas, where health infrastructure and services remain inadequate. Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa—particularly cervical cancer, which is both preventable and treatable. It remains the most common cause of cancer death for women in the region. In 2022, Africa accounted for nearly a quarter (23%) of the 76 000 global cervical cancer deaths. Meanwhile, severe NCDs such as Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart conditions claim more than half a million lives annually, including among children, adolescents, and young adults in some of the continent’s poorest communities. Inequitable access to health services continues to hinder efforts to reduce this burden. To improve cervical and breast cancer care in the region, urgent investment is needed in leadership, governance, and financing. Strengthening these foundations is critical in the current funding landscape. Advancements in strategic planning, healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and—most importantly—equitable access to screening, diagnostic, and treatment services are essential. To address these challenges, WHO and its partners showcased successful integrated models such as the Women’s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS), the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, and the PEN-Plus Strategy. WICS strengthens early detection, treatment, and integration of women’s cancer services into primary health care systems in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The BEAT Breast Cancer Project is a transformative multi-year initiative aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among women in Tanzania and Ghana through early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment access. “PEN-Plus, WICS and the BEAT Breast Cancer Initiative are models for a new standard of care, rooted in equity, access and health justice. I urge countries to prioritize policies that embed these models into broader health system strengthening, said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa”. Côte d’Ivoire offers a compelling example of progress, combining high HPV vaccination coverage—reaching over three million girls (91.4%)—with WICS-supported community-based screening campaigns to strengthen cervical cancer prevention. In Kenya, cervical cancer screening has been successfully integrated into national health services. “This gathering marks a pivotal moment to accelerate action for breast cancer prevention in Africa. We deeply value the leadership of the Ministries of Health of Ghana and Tanzania, and the steadfast support of the Pfizer Foundation in helping us achieve this milestone. The side event builds momentum for the policy prioritization of women’s cancers, partnerships to strengthen the broader women’s cancer ecosystem, and advance a health-systems approach to breast cancer prevention and management”, said Dr Somesh Kumar, Senior Director, Jhpiego. PEN-Plus expands access to care for severe NCDs at the district hospital level. Since its implementation, 20 countries in Africa have increased access to services for severe NCDs. Over 15 000 people are currently receiving treatment for chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease and Type 1 diabetes through PEN-Plus clinics.
African health ministers adopt strategy to strengthen rehabilitation services in health care
Day 3 of the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa: African health ministers commit to strengthening emergency preparedness and response