Published: May 23, 2025
MONROVIA– Health authorities in Liberia have confirmed 25 active cases of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox), but no deaths have been reported so far, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) announced Thursday.
Dr. Chris Dugbeh Nyan, Director General of NPHIL, disclosed the figures during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT). He said health teams have intensified surveillance, contact tracing, and treatment efforts across the country in response to the outbreak.
“Our health system remains alert and responsive,” Dr. Nyan said. “We are working closely with partners and community health workers to swiftly detect, isolate, and treat confirmed cases.”
The new figure marks a sharp increase from an earlier report in which NPHIL confirmed four cases: two in Montserrado, one in Sinoe, and one in Margibi counties. Since then, additional infections have been recorded, prompting health officials to ramp up public awareness campaigns and preventative strategies.
Regional Concerns Rise
Dr. Nyan also expressed concern over the worsening Mpox outbreak in neighboring Sierra Leone, which has recorded 1,904 active cases and 14 deaths. He said the alarming numbers next door have raised the risk of cross-border transmission and highlighted the need for regional coordination.
“The situation in Sierra Leone is deeply concerning,” Dr. Nyan noted. “We are closely monitoring the developments and working with counterparts in the region to enhance border surveillance and information sharing.”
He emphasized that while Liberia’s outbreak remains manageable, the government is not taking any chances.
Public Urged to Stay Vigilant
Dr. Nyan called on the public to remain calm but vigilant and to comply with all public health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and NPHIL.
“We encourage citizens to report symptoms such as fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and other signs associated with Mpox to the nearest health facility,” he said. “Early detection and timely response are critical to stopping further spread.”
He added that NPHIL is collaborating with regional health agencies, international partners, and local leaders to bolster the country’s outbreak preparedness and response systems.
About Mpox
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease similar to smallpox but clinically less severe. Transmission occurs through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials. Symptoms typically include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches.
The virus has gained international attention in recent years following outbreaks in multiple countries. Liberia has remained relatively insulated from major outbreaks, but health officials have warned that complacency could prove dangerous given the virus’s potential to spread quickly in under-resourced settings.
Strengthening the Response
Health workers have been deployed across affected and at-risk communities to monitor and respond to suspected cases. Isolation units have been activated in select hospitals, and laboratory testing has been scaled up to ensure swift diagnosis.
Dr. Nyan reassured the public that the government remains committed to containing the outbreak. “We have systems in place, and we are not alone. Our partners are providing essential support, and we are determined to prevent a national emergency,” he said.
Liberia’s last major public health crisis—the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak—claimed thousands of lives and devastated the healthcare system. Since then, health officials say they have made significant improvements in disease surveillance, rapid response, and public engagement.
Still, public health experts caution that Mpox, while less lethal than Ebola, should not be underestimated.
“There’s no room for delay or denial,” said one health worker familiar with the response. “What we do in the coming days will determine whether this outbreak remains controlled or becomes a crisis.”
As of Thursday, all 25 confirmed Mpox patients are being monitored or receiving care, and no community-wide transmission has been declared. NPHIL says it will provide regular updates as new information becomes available.
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