Monrovia — The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has placed Liberia under a Level II (Practice Enhanced Precautions) Travel Health Advisory following a confirmed outbreak of clade II Mpox, citing sustained person-to-person transmission across the country.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The CDC said the current outbreak in Liberia differs from the global clade II Mpox outbreak that began in 2022, which largely affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). In Liberia, however, health authorities report that both males and females are being infected in nearly equal numbers, signaling broader community transmission.
According to the CDC, person-to-person spread has been documented, including through sexual and other intimate contact, raising concerns about continued transmission if preventive measures are not strengthened.
Vaccination Recommended for At-Risk Travelers
In response, the CDC recommends Mpox vaccination for travelers to Liberia who expect to engage in certain sexual or intimate activities during their visit, regardless of sexual orientation.
Travelers are advised to complete two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, administered at least 28 days apart. Those who have received only one dose are encouraged to obtain the second as soon as possible. The CDC noted that maximum protection is achieved about two weeks after the second dose, urging travelers to plan ahead.
The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) did not immediately respond to FrontPage Africa’s inquiry following the CDC alert but promised a response on Friday.
Rising Case Numbers
As of early November 2025, the Ministry of Health (MoH) reported 2,447 suspected Mpox cases since the outbreak began in September 2024. Of the 2,309 samples tested, 1,308 cases were laboratory confirmed, resulting in a positivity rate of 56.6 percent, an indication of significant ongoing community transmission.
Providing an update during a press conference, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Catherine T. Cooper said the figures were captured in Situation Report #87, covering November 3, 2025. She described the positivity rate as evidence of sustained transmission nationwide.
Dr. Cooper thanked President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Government of Liberia, and international partners for their continued support, noting that the Mpox response remains a top public health priority.
Geographic Spread and Outcomes
Health authorities reported 148 active cases currently under monitoring and treatment in infectious disease hospitals, isolation centers, and through home-based care. Montserrado County accounts for 57 percent of active cases, particularly in Bushrod Island, Commonwealth, Central Monrovia, and Somalia Drive. Nimba County follows with 18 percent, while Margibi, Grand Bassa, and Grand Kru counties collectively account for 16 percent.
Encouragingly, 1,154 patients have recovered, while Liberia has recorded six Mpox-related deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.5 percent. Health officials attribute the low fatality rate to improved surveillance, early detection, and effective clinical management.
Despite these gains, Dr. Cooper cautioned that new suspected cases continue to emerge, stressing the need for sustained vigilance, community engagement, and resource mobilization.
Aggressive 90-Day Response Plan
To curb transmission over the next 60 to 90 days, the MoH, NPHIL, and partners have outlined an aggressive response strategy that includes intensified active case finding, timely treatment of confirmed cases, and strengthened services at the Liberia Center for Infectious Disease Hospital and other isolation facilities.
The plan also calls for refresher training for frontline clinicians, enhanced infection prevention and control measures, and robust risk communication efforts targeting community leaders, market associations, and youth networks. Public messaging will emphasize early reporting, hand hygiene, and awareness of sexual transmission risks.
Nationwide Vaccination Campaign
A major pillar of the response is the rollout of ring vaccination in Montserrado and other hotspot counties. Dr. Cooper announced that public sensitization will begin in November 2025, with vaccination scheduled from December 2025 to February 2026, targeting individuals 18 years and older.
Liberia has received 42,720 doses of Mpox vaccines, donated by partners including the U.S. CDC, Africa CDC, GAVI, UNICEF, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Authorities aim to administer all doses to high-risk populations by January 31, 2026.
National Targets
Between November 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026, the government aims to investigate at least 90 percent of suspected cases within 24–48 hours, ensure 100 percent of samples are tested with results available within 48 hours, and achieve zero preventable Mpox deaths by strengthening ICU capacity and clinician training. In addition, the government seeks to attain 80 percent public awareness on prevention and early care-seeking behavior and significantly reduce national Mpox cases and the positivity rate within 90 days.
Public Health Precautions Urged
The CDC emphasized that vaccination alone is insufficient and urged travelers to continue practicing preventive measures. Individuals at higher risk of severe disease—including pregnant women, infants under one year, people with active skin conditions, and immunocompromised persons—were advised to take extra precautions.
Travelers should avoid close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing, and wild animals, including rodents and non-human primates. The CDC also warned against consuming or handling bushmeat.
Anyone developing a new, unexplained skin rash—with or without fever or chills—is urged to seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare providers of any travel to Liberia within the previous 21 days.
The Level II advisory does not discourage travel, but signals the need for heightened vigilance. U.S. health authorities say they will continue to closely monitor the situation while working with Liberian and international partners to contain the outbreak.
