Mpox: Children account for half of suspected cases in Guinea-Bissau

As of 20 August 2026, health officials in Guinea-Bissau report that children make up nearly half of the 46 suspected mpox cases detected in the country. Of these, 16 are under the age of four, highlighting the vulnerability of young children to the disease. The outbreak, which was officially declared on 4 July, marks the first recorded instances of mpox in Guinea-Bissau. According to government data, seven adult cases have been confirmed so far, with no deaths reported yet. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has described the situation as a "major public health event," emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent further spread. The outbreak follows the declaration of a global mpox resurgence in 2022, during which several countries saw a rise in infections, particularly among children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. In that year, many of the fatal cases were among children, underscoring the risks associated with the disease for younger populations. Now, with the return to school in September, concerns over increased transmission among children have intensified. Schools provide environments conducive to the spread of infectious diseases due to close proximity and shared spaces, raising alarms among health experts. Mpox is caused by a virus related to smallpox, though it generally presents less severe symptoms. Common signs include a distinctive rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and fatigue. While the illness often resolves on its own, it can become serious, particularly for infants and young children. Transmission occurs mainly through direct skin-to-skin contact with lesions, but contaminated objects, such as clothing or eating utensils, can also serve as vectors for the virus. This means that even casual contact with an infected individual poses a risk, making containment efforts complex. UNICEF has raised concerns about significant shortcomings in the current surveillance system within Guinea-Bissau. These gaps hinder effective tracking of the virus’s spread, identification of potential contacts, and timely testing of samples. Without robust monitoring mechanisms, controlling the outbreak becomes increasingly difficult. To address these challenges, UNICEF is collaborating with local authorities and partner organizations to implement awareness campaigns targeting both children and their families. These initiatives aim to educate communities on preventive measures and early recognition of symptoms. A key component of the response involves securing additional resources. UNICEF estimates that more than $150,000 in flexible emergency funding is required to support these efforts. The organization’s deputy representative, Sandra Martins, emphasized the importance of prompt medical attention if symptoms appear. She urged families to seek care immediately if a child or family member exhibits signs such as a rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes. Preventive actions, including proper hand hygiene, limiting close contact with suspected cases, and reducing stigma around the disease, are also being promoted. With the start of the academic year approaching, health officials are preparing for heightened vigilance. They anticipate that the influx of students returning to classrooms will create new opportunities for the virus to spread. Public health messages are being tailored to emphasize the specific risks faced by children and the steps necessary to protect them. Efforts are underway to ensure that schools are equipped to identify and respond to potential cases swiftly, minimizing disruption while safeguarding student health. The situation in Guinea-Bissau underscores the broader implications of mpox outbreaks in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. As the country works to strengthen its response, the international community continues to monitor developments closely. The success of containment efforts will depend largely on the effectiveness of surveillance systems, community engagement, and the availability of adequate resources to support ongoing interventions.