…authorities Sound Alarm Over Cross-Border Threat, Urge Public to Take Precautions
Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia’s health sector is facing renewed challenges as the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) confirms a surge in Mpox infections, with 69 active cases now reported across the country. While no fatalities have been recorded, the escalating numbers and the porous nature of Liberia’s borders are raising serious concerns about a potential regional outbreak.
The latest figures were confirmed over the weekend by the National Reference Laboratory, operating under the Mpox National Incident Management System (IMS). Genomic sequencing of local samples has revealed the circulation of Monkeypox virus Clade IIa and Clade IIb, both highly infectious and transmissible strains similar to those identified in neighboring West African nations, amplifying fears of cross-border transmission.
“This is not a time for panic, but for caution and responsible behavior,” NPHIL emphasized in its recent public health advisory. However, critics argue that despite timely advisories, the government’s response may be hampered by weak health infrastructure, limited diagnostic capacity, and a prevailing public mistrust in official communications.
NPHIL, established under the 2016 Public Health Act, is mandated to lead the national response to infectious disease outbreaks. The Institute states it is actively coordinating with the Ministry of Health, regional health authorities, and international partners to bolster national surveillance and containment efforts. Nevertheless, civil society actors and public health experts caution that the pace of coordination and resource deployment might not align with the urgency of the situation.
To curb transmission, NPHIL has rolled out a multi-tiered public health advisory. Individuals are urged to:
Avoid physical contact with anyone displaying visible rashes or flu-like symptoms, Regularly wash or sanitize hands, practice safe sex, report any suspected cases to health authorities, and seek immediate medical care if symptoms arise.
For institutions and public spaces, the advisory recommends:
Limiting large gatherings and non-essential events.
Ensuring handwashing facilities are installed in public and private spaces.
Reducing overcrowding in public transport, with further guidance expected from the Ministry of Transport.
Despite these measures, experts highlight that enforcement and public compliance remain critical gaps. “Health protocols are only effective if they’re followed,” a health worker in Paynesville remarked, adding, “We’ve seen how quickly misinformation can spread faster than the virus itself.”
NPHIL’s advisory also warns against complacency and misinformation, urging citizens to rely on verified updates from health authorities and cooperate fully with health workers engaged in surveillance and contact tracing.
Meanwhile, some community leaders and civil society organizations are advocating for more aggressive public engagement, including town hall meetings, mobile awareness campaigns, and real-time data sharing to foster greater trust and transparency.
As Liberia confronts another infectious disease threat, the pressing question remains: will the lessons learned from past epidemics, such as Ebola and COVID-19, prove sufficient to mount an effective and timely response this time?