Guinea Bissau: Children Account for Half of Suspected Mpox Cases in Guinea-Bissau

What the report says

UNICEF says children under 15 make up half of Guinea-Bissau’s 46 suspected mpox cases as the country responds to its first recorded outbreak. The report, distributed through AllAfrica from UNICEF, says the outbreak was declared on 4 July 2026 and that 46 suspected cases had been identified by 17 August.

UNICEF said seven cases had been confirmed, all in adults, with six in the Autonomous Sector of Bissau and one in Biombo Region. No deaths had been reported. The agency also noted that 23 of the suspected cases are children, including 16 aged 0-4, which it said raises concern because young children can face more serious complications.

The article says the confirmed cases do not appear linked, suggesting possible chains of transmission may still be undetected. It also points to weaknesses in community surveillance, contact tracing and sample testing. UNICEF is working with the Ministry of Public Health, the World Health Organization and other partners to strengthen surveillance, infection prevention and water, sanitation and hygiene measures, and to share prevention guidance with families.

UNICEF warned that the reopening of schools in September could increase transmission risks among children. The agency said it needs additional funding to support the response. More broadly, the report highlights how fragile public health systems can make even a limited outbreak a significant concern, especially for children and other vulnerable groups.