𝑩𝒚 𝑪𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑲. 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒉

𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐀, 𝐀𝐮𝐠. 𝟐𝟐 (𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐀) The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has confirmed six cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) in the country since July 2024, including one recent case detected through new testing capabilities provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) regular press conference on Thursday, August 22, 2024, NPHIL Director General Dougbeh Chris Nyan stressed the importance of public vigilance as Liberia intensifies its response efforts to contain the disease.

He noted that while monkeypox is not new to Liberia, the recent outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has heightened concerns. 

According to him, over 27,000 cases have been reported in the DRC alone, with a fatality count of around 300 cases.

He added that the resurgence of the disease globally has prompted Liberian health authorities to strengthen their surveillance and response mechanisms.

"In Liberia, we've had cases of monkeypox over the last three to four years, so it is not new to us," the Director General stated. "Our latest case, which was detected on July 4, was confirmed positive after recent testing. This brings the total number of cases to six, but fortunately, there have been no fatalities."

He clarified that monkeypox is often confused with smallpox and chickenpox but stressed the importance of understanding the differences, citing that the disease is primarily transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, including physical contact, sharing bedding, and proximity.

While it can spread through intimate contact, he urged against labeling it solely as a sexually transmitted infection.

Dr. Nyan outlined the symptoms of monkeypox, which include fever, headaches, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and the appearance of lesions on the skin, especially on the palms and soles.

He highlighted the importance of early detection and urged anyone experiencing these symptoms to report to the nearest health facility immediately.

Liberia's response, he said, includes reactivating surveillance at ports of entry, strengthening border monitoring, and increasing public awareness, indicating that NPHIL, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, WHO, Africa CDC, and the U.S. CDC, is working to ensure that Liberia remains prepared to handle any further outbreaks.

He also emphasized that, to date, no one in Liberia has died from monkeypox since the first recorded case in 2016.

As the situation developed, the NPHIL boss urged the public to maintain hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing and social distancing, and to be cautious in their daily interactions.

He also called on the media to help disseminate accurate information to keep the public informed and prevent panic.