By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
MONROVIA – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has confirmed four new cases of the Mpox virus in the country, bringing renewed focus to the ongoing public health response.
At a press conference NPHIL Director-General Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan revealed that the new infections were identified in Montserrado (2 cases), Margibi (1 case), and Sinoe (1 case) Counties. Dr. Nyan called for public calm and urged Liberians to follow health guidelines to help contain the virus.
“We want the public to remain calm and vigilant. Adhering to health precautionary measures is critical in preventing further spread of Mpox,” Dr. Nyan stated.
The government is ramping up its response with the help of Mpox vaccines recently received from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Dr. Yuah A. Nemah, Director of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) at the Ministry of Health, said the vaccines are being used to prevent human-to-human transmission and protect high-risk populations.
So far, more than 2,000 people in Grand Cape Mount, Nimba, Grand Bassa, and Sinoe Counties have received the vaccine.
The immunization effort specifically targets two key groups: individuals identified as contacts of confirmed Mpox cases, and high-risk personnel such as frontline healthcare workers, contact tracers, and security sector staff.
Dr. Nemah added that community engagement and awareness campaigns are currently underway in Lofa, Montserrado, and Margibi Counties. Vaccination activities in those areas are expected to begin soon.
Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral disease that can be transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or animals. Liberia has previously recorded isolated outbreaks, but health officials are emphasizing a proactive strategy to curb any wider spread.
The NPHIL and Ministry of Health continue to monitor the situation closely and encourage the public to report any symptoms or suspected cases to local health authorities immediately.
