The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has confirmed the country’s first case of Monkeypox virus in Sinoe County. The announcement was made during a press conference held at NPHIL headquarters in Congo Town.
Monkeypox, a rare zoonotic virus, has gained prominence as the most prevalent orthopoxvirus since the eradication of smallpox in 1980. It typically presents with mild symptoms, including fever, malaise, and the development of vesiculo-papular skin lesions.
Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director General of NPHIL, revealed that out of six tests conducted on suspected cases, one tested positive. The confirmed case involves a seven-year-old girl from Sinoe County who had no recent travel history. This case is the first to be reported in Liberia this year, although there have been sporadic detections in the country over the past five months.
Dr. Nyan emphasized that Liberia has been proactive in its response to the outbreak, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an international health concern. The Liberian government has activated its surveillance and response mechanisms, including border controls and contact tracing, to manage the situation.
The global Monkeypox outbreak has drawn significant attention, with notable cases reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, and Uganda. Dr. Nyan highlighted that Liberia’s current efforts involve securing vaccines and diagnostic kits and establishing an incident management system to coordinate the national response.
In light of the international health concerns, NPHIL has implemented enhanced monitoring at national ports and border points. Additionally, epidemiological surveillance groups have been activated at county and district levels to track the spread of the virus.
Dr. Nyan also addressed the importance of accurate health reporting, distinguishing between confirmed and suspected cases of Monkeypox. He noted that while many pox diseases share similarities, such as cowpox and chickenpox, proper classification and reporting are crucial for effective public health management.
Efforts to control the outbreak continue, with the NPHIL urging vigilance and cooperation from both local and international health agencies.
