MONROVIA – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has reported an outbreak of the Monkeypox virus (Mpox) in several countries within the WHO African Region, particularly in Central and West Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified this Mpox outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).
As of 2024, Liberia has confirmed 5 cases across 3 counties. Additionally, recent cases have been confirmed in neighboring countries like Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, NPHIL Director-General Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan explained that Mpox is caused by the Monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as the virus responsible for smallpox. The virus is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, sexual contact with bodily fluids or lesions around the anus, rectum, or vagina of an infected person, and respiratory secretions, among other means. Symptoms of Mpox include fever, chills, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches.
Given the nature of this outbreak and its rapid spread across several countries, NPHIL will heighten its surveillance system, strengthen outbreak preparedness, and collaborate with the Ministry of Health to activate specific response measures to prevent a potential Mpox outbreak in Liberia.
The public is strongly urged to follow preventive measures, including regular hand-washing, avoiding sexual contact with individuals suspected of having Mpox, avoiding close contact with those showing symptoms, minimizing animal contact, and seeking medical attention immediately if Mpox symptoms are experienced or observed.
