Monrovia, Liberia – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) reports six cases of monkeypox infections in the country. Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, the director general of NPHIL, said during the regular press briefing held by the Ministry of Information on Thursday, August 22, 2024, that the counties that are affected are Bong, Nimba, Grand Kru, and Maryland.
According to him, there have been about thirty to thirty-three recorded instances of monkey pox in Liberia during the past three to four years, but no fatalities have been reported. Contact with affected people including identifying, shaking hands, hugging, and sharing beds can spread the sickness, Dr. Nyan said.
He mentioned fever, headaches, and muscle aches as indications of monkeypox. The head of NPHIL urged the public to keep sick people apart from other family members and to constantly wash their hands with soap and water after handling animals or sick people.
Dr. Nyan advised boiling any clothing or blanket used by a sick person for 20 minutes and advised against touching bedding, clothing, or other items that have come into contact with the ill person or animal. Dr. Nyan advised Liberians to constantly keep the area around their homes and in their communities free of dirt to prevent the spread of disease-carrying animals.
Those who exhibit symptoms, according to him, should visit a hospital or clinic as soon as possible so that they can receive medical attention from professionals. NPHIL is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health and other partners to achieve the abolition of monkeypox in the nation. Dr. Nyan said that the entity will be visiting the various ports of entry, including the National Port Authority and Ganta Port of Entry.
