Since the last update by the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) regarding the ongoing Monkeypox outbreak in the country, no new infections have been reported, and the number of active cases remains at 35.
Health authorities recently announced measures for the public to follow to avoid contracting the virus. These measures include practicing social distancing, avoiding handshakes, and regularly washing hands.
On Monday, May 26, 2025, a source at NPHIL informed The News Newspaper that there have been no reported cases of Mpox in the country since May 23, 2025. Speaking with our reporter via telephone, the source stated, “I can confidently say that there have been no active Mpox cases in the country since the last update from the institution.”
Dr. Dougbe Nyan, NPHIL Director General, disclosed on Friday, May 23, 2025, that there are currently 35 active cases of Mpox in Liberia, with 77 recoveries and zero deaths. He noted that there have been 700 suspected cases, of which 618 were tested and 112 confirmed.
On Thursday, May 22, Dr. Nyan reported that there were 25 active cases of the virus in the country at that time, prompting an increase in the number of lab technicians from 5 to 30, along with the hiring of trained epidemiologists and the deployment of disease detectives across various counties.
Dr. Nyan emphasized that they have enhanced laboratory capacity with additional testing reagents to help distinguish Monkeypox from similar conditions like chickenpox and cowpox.
He highlighted the importance of extensive public health messaging through press conferences, community outreach, and communication in local languages. Additionally, they are training journalists to better understand terms such as “suspected,” “confirmed,” “active,” and “recovered” cases.
“We are building public trust and resilience while assuring the public that Liberia’s public health system remains vigilant and responsive,” he added. He urged all Liberians to participate in early detection and prevention efforts.
Dr. Nyan advised the public to avoid sharing personal items or sleeping in the same bed with infected individuals and to report any suspected cases immediately to the nearest health facility or by calling 4455. He acknowledged that high call volumes may cause delays, but assured that the number remains operational.
He also revealed that, in the international context, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa CDC declared Monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024. Liberia has been dealing with sporadic Monkeypox cases since 2020-2021, although the virus was first identified in 1958 in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. The current outbreak in Liberia began with a confirmed case in Sinoe County.
The index case was a 7-year-old girl whose father, a hunter, reportedly brought the virus home from the forest. Although he was asymptomatic, it is believed he transmitted the virus to her. Subsequently, her mother, who was caring for her, also contracted the virus. Both mother and daughter were isolated and treated.
