MONROVIA — Liberia’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Catherine T. Cooper, has warned that Mpox transmission in the country is continuing to escalate, with 2,447 suspected cases now reported across all 15 counties. Addressing the press in Monrovia, Dr. Cooper said the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) are intensifying national response efforts as the outbreak deepens, driven by continued community spread and a high positivity rate.
According to Situation Report #87, a total of 2,309 samples have been tested, with 1,308 confirmed positive for Mpox. This reflects a national positivity rate of 56.6 percent, which Dr. Cooper described as deeply concerning and indicative of sustained community transmission. She noted that 65 of Liberia’s 98 health districts have recorded cases, underscoring the wide geographic spread of the virus.
Currently, 148 active Mpox cases are under clinical care at infectious disease hospitals, isolation centers, and home-based care facilities. Montserrado County accounts for 57 percent of active cases, making it the most affected region. Nimba County follows with 18 percent, while Margibi, Grand Bassa, and Grand Kru account for 7 percent, 5 percent, and 4 percent respectively. The rest of the counties each contribute 2 percent or fewer of the total caseload. Despite the surge, Dr. Cooper noted that 1,154 patients have recovered, and the country has recorded six deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 0.5 percent.
Dr. Cooper said the relatively low death rate reflects the government’s commitment to early detection, improved case management, and community awareness campaigns. However, she cautioned that the country remains at a dangerous turning point and must move quickly to prevent further spread. “Without bold actions, Mpox transmission will continue to escalate, placing lives, health systems, and communities at risk,” she warned.
Health authorities have outlined an aggressive 60–90 day intervention plan aimed at slowing transmission and reducing the positivity rate. The strategy includes intensified case detection, strengthened clinical care, refresher training for frontline health workers, and reinforced infection prevention and control measures. Risk communication efforts will also be expanded to promote safer behaviors such as frequent handwashing, early symptom reporting, and heightened awareness of sexual transmission routes.
A nationwide preventive ring vaccination campaign is set to begin this month in Montserrado and other hotspot counties, with full rollout scheduled between December 2025 and February 2026. The campaign targets individuals aged 18 and above and aims to administer all 42,720 Mpox vaccine doses received in September 2025 from a consortium that includes the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Africa CDC, GAVI, UNICEF, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
Key targets in the national response include detecting and investigating at least 90 percent of suspected cases within 24 to 48 hours, ensuring laboratory results within 48 hours, eliminating preventable Mpox deaths through improved ICU readiness and rapid diagnostics, and achieving 80 percent public awareness of safe practices in high-burden counties.
Dr. Cooper called on all Liberians, including community leaders, local organizations, and everyday citizens, to support ongoing awareness and vaccination campaigns. “Your support is crucial to ending this outbreak,” she urged, emphasizing that collective action remains the country’s strongest tool in stopping Mpox transmission.
