Monrovia, Liberia – Four current Mpox cases have been verified by the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), with infections found in the counties of Sinoe (1), Margibi (1), and Montserrado (2). In the impacted areas, the confirmation has led to increased surveillance and a public health response.
NPHIL Director General Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan assured the public that the issue is still under control while urging collaboration and composure during a news conference in Paynesville on Sunday.
Liberia reported 652 possible cases of Mpox between January 1, 2024, and May 11, 2025. Of these, 78 samples from 14 of the 15 counties in the nation proved positive, according to Dr. Nyan. Presently, all four patients are stable and getting treatment at approved medical institutions.
In order to stop the spread, Dr. Nyan stressed that health teams are actively involved in contact tracing, case monitoring, and community awareness. He asked the public to be on guard, to report symptoms as soon as they appear, and to follow precautions including frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with sick people.
Health teams have been called into action to improve detection, testing, and education activities in the priority areas of Montserrado, Margibi, and Sinoe. Montserrado County Health Officer Dr. Jewel Tarpeh Kollie said that “we are on high alert in order to guarantee the quick isolation of suspected cases and timely testing, we are working with partners, our healthcare system is ready to react efficiently.”
It is reported that there have been no recorded death from the 78 confirmed cases of Mpox so far, and 77 patients have recovered. Nimba (26), Montserrado (6), Lofa (7), Bong (7), Rivercess (7), Sinoe (6), Grand Bassa (6), Margibi (4), Maryland (2), River Gee (1), Grand Kru (1), Bomi (1), Grand Cape Mount (3), and Grand Gedeh (1) are among the areas with confirmed cases.
After popular comedian Jabateh revealed in a widely shared video that he had Mpox and was receiving treatment, public interest increased. His statement, “I got Mpox, and I’m taking treatment,” sparked a flurry of conversations on stigma, openness, and the value of getting medical help.
“He is courageous and rare in his honesty,” Dr. Kollie added. It makes a clear statement: Mpox is curable, and nobody should be embarrassed to get treatment.
The viral zoonotic illness known as mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is characterized by fever, exhaustion, enlarged lymph nodes, and skin rashes. Close personal contact with infected people, animals, or contaminated objects is the main way that it spreads.
Liberia has received 10,800 doses of the Mpox vaccine through a collaboration with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over 2,000 frontline and high-risk workers, such as medical professionals and laboratory staff, have received vaccinations thus far.
The Expanded Program on Immunization’s Director, Dr. Yuah Nemah, stated that mass vaccination is not currently being done. “The people who are most at danger of exposure are our main emphasis.”
Official vaccination campaigns in Montserrado are set to start on Monday, May 19. Liberia has increased border monitoring in response to Mpox activity in neighboring Sierra Leone. To screen travelers and keep an eye out for symptoms, rapid reaction teams have been positioned at strategic entrance points in counties like Lofa and Nimba.
In order to allow the public to report suspicious instances and obtain information, the Ministry of Health has also reopened its emergency hotline (4455).
“To contain this outbreak, we need to collaborate, steer clear of symptomatic people, maintain proper hygiene, and get help as soon as possible, ,” Dr. Nyan stated.
The public is still being encouraged by health officials to support ongoing response efforts to safeguard communities throughout Liberia, be calm, and depend on official information.
