Clinical and epidemiological characteristics among probable and confirmed patients with mpox in Sierra Leone reported from January to May 2025

We analysed available mpox cases reports in Sierra Leone from January to May 2025 following a historic increase in mpox cases across multiple urban and rural regions in the country. Here, we assessed demographic and clinical data from 161 case reports. Mpox case reports were primarily from Bo (60/124; 48.4%) and Freetown (48/124; 38.7%). Most case reports were from male patients (55.3%) as compared to females (44.7%), with an overall median age of 25 years (IQR 21-32). The median age was higher among males (30 years; IQR 23-39) then females (24 years; IQR 20-27). Rash, fever, headache, and lesions were reported for all patients where data was reported. Muscle pain, lymphadenopathy, sore throat, and cough were reported less commonly. Age- and sex-specific interventions, as well as community engagement that includes historically stigmatized groups are critical for mpox containment and mitigation measures in Sierra Leone.