MONROVIA – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has confirmed three new cases of Mpox, according to its National Reference Laboratory. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Liberia to five since the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in mid-August 2024.
In a statement released by NPHIL Director General, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, the three new cases were reported from Lofa, Sinoe, and River Gee Counties. The confirmation follows the recent launch of the National Incident Management System (IMS) at NPHIL’s headquarters, which is mobilizing resources and coordinating the national response to the outbreak.
“Evidently, the current epidemiological trend of Mpox in Liberia, its pending biomolecular characterization, and existing guidelines equate this Mpox dynamic to an outbreak,” the statement said. “Thus, the NPHIL is in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and International Partners as we proactively mount the response aimed at preventing the spread of the Monkeypox virus in the population.”
Over the weekend, an NPHIL team visited border-entry points and assessed isolation centers in Nimba and Bong Counties. These efforts aim to heighten preparations, improve contact tracing, and enhance diagnostic procedures as sporadic Mpox cases emerge in different regions of the country.
As part of the response, NPHIL has activated the National Incident Management System (IMS) to manage the outbreak. The public is urged to remain calm, practice regular hand washing or sanitizing, avoid contact with suspected cases and animals, and adhere to safe sexual practices. Communities are advised to report any suspected Mpox cases to the nearest health facilities or authorities for prompt action.
