Following reports several days ago of a pox-like disease affecting several prison inmates in Sinoe County, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) immediately conducted an intensive investigation of the cases and has confirmed that the inmates are Mpox-negative based on molecular testing results.
According to a press release dated February 1, 2025, the inmates were tested negative of Mpox base on their evaluation and investigation using molecular testing such as real-time PCR; Gene sequencing testing were also conducted at the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) to search for any related pathogens or infectious agent that could be hiding in the background.
NPHIL Director General Dr. Dugbe Christopher Nyan said appropriate specimens were extracted from inmates by public health responders and tested for pox-like viruses at the NRL in Charlesville, Margibi County.
The release states that affected inmates have been isolated and referred for further clinical evaluation for other suspected skin diseases which should be confirmed by dermatologists, doctors specialized in skin diseases.
“We recently received reports of similar cases of pox-like disease among prison inmates in Senje, Bomi County, and this is currently being investigated by the NPHIL using molecular diagnostic tests; specimens have been collected from those inmates and undergoing testing at the National Reference Laboratory,” Dr. Nyan said.
He said in the wake of NPHIL’s ongoing response to the global Mpox outbreak declared by the Africa-CDC and the WHO, ample public health precautions and proactive measures are promptly implemented so as to contain and prevent any possible community transmission of the Monkeypox virus from person-to-person.
Meanwhile, the NPHIL admonishes the public to remain calm and contact its offices for accurate data and information, while the investigations continue.
The public health regulator has warned citizens to avoid contacts with suspected cases, report it to the nearest health facility, and observe all sanitary and other public health measures.
