Guinea-Bissau (a small West African nation) has declared a national mpox epidemic, with health authorities reporting that children account for half of all cases — including 16 under the age of four — since the outbreak was confirmed on 4 July. Seven cases have been confirmed and 46 suspected, with UNICEF warning that weak health surveillance systems mean the virus is likely spreading undetected. The outbreak is especially concerning as primary schools are set to reopen in September, and experts note that ongoing intermittent transmission signals the virus has not been contained.