… NPHIL Calls for National Vigilance As Virus Spreads Across Counties
By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – May 22, 2025 – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) today confirmed 102 laboratory-tested cases of Mpox across the country since the beginning of 2024, marking the largest outbreak since the virus first appeared in Liberia in 2020. Despite the significant increase in cases, NPHIL reports 75 individuals have fully recovered, with no deaths reported so far.
The announcement was made during a special press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) by NPHIL Director-General Dr. Chris Nyan. He urged Liberians to remain vigilant and cooperate with national health efforts to curb the spread.
“Mpox is present in Liberia, and this fight is not just for the government—it is a collective responsibility,” Dr. Nyan declared. “Our role is to inform, not to incite fear.” He revealed that Liberia is currently battling two strains of the Mpox virus, fewer than some other countries which are dealing with as many as four.
Mpox, characterized by painful rashes, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other flu-like symptoms, is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected persons, contaminated materials such as bedding or towels, or exposure to bodily fluids.
Dr. Nyan traced the resurgence of the virus to Sinoe County, where a 7-year-old girl, the daughter of a local hunter, tested positive. The father, who was asymptomatic, likely contracted the virus during a forest expedition and transmitted it to his daughter and wife. Both women were successfully isolated and treated.
Since this initial case, the virus has rapidly spread, with new cases confirmed in Lofa, Montserrado, and Nimba counties, prompting heightened surveillance from health officials. By mid-May 2025, NPHIL had received nearly 40 suspected samples, of which 15 were confirmed positive. Liberia had previously recorded zero active cases by December 2024 after successfully treating 63 individuals, but the virus re-emerged shortly after the holiday season.
In response to the escalating threat, the government, through NPHIL, has launched a multi-sectoral intervention. This includes intensified laboratory testing and case detection, expanded isolation and treatment at centers such as Star Base (Montserrado) and Ganta Hospital (Nimba), robust public awareness campaigns, and the training of journalists and frontline health workers. Additionally, epidemiologists have been deployed to high-risk counties.
The NPHIL laboratory team has been significantly expanded from 5 to 30 trained technicians, and the government has secured additional reagents to differentiate Mpox from similar diseases such as chickenpox and cowpox.
Dr. Nyan underscored that Liberia’s efforts are aligned with global strategies, following the declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa CDC in August 2024. He commended the support of partners including the Ministry of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Disaster Management Agency. Special mention was made of Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto, who is currently representing Liberia at the World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Dr. Nyan appealed to the public not to panic but to remain proactive in reporting symptoms, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and following safety protocols. He reminded the nation to call the toll-free number 4455 to report suspected cases.
“We must stay ahead of the virus. Let’s protect our communities, reduce fear through facts, and work together to stop the spread,” he concluded. “With transparency, vigilance, and community action, we can defeat Mpox.”
As the country continues to confront this public health challenge, authorities urge every Liberian to be part of the solution, emphasizing that in the fight against Mpox, every action counts.